Fern Britton hits out at Wycombe pool closure

1:35pm Thursday 24th September 2009 in News

Fern Britton hits out at pool closure Fern Britton hits out at pool closure

TELEVISION presenter Fern Britton has slammed “short-sighted” council chiefs for closing Holywell Mead outdoor swimming pool.

The Holmer Green resident has written a letter of support to campaigners trying to re-open the pool by donations and volunteers.

The pool did not re-open this summer after Wycombe District Council voted to close it to save cash, claiming it was under-used.

An extract from her letter released by campaigners states: “The young people of High Wycombe need as much healthy outdoor activity as possible.

“To close down such a unique pool would be very short-sighted of our generally good council.”

Neil Bailey, chairman of the Holywell Mead Pool Trust Steering Group, which is fighting to re-open the pool, welcomed the news.

He said: “It’s great to have such a high profile local personality offering words of support.

“The health of young people and having such facilities available is essential.

“Once they have gone they have disappeared forever and we must not let this happen.”

Miss Britton’s agent, John Rush, told the Bucks Free Press: “Fern has sent them a letter of support.”

The group gave the council a plan which proposed opening the pool all-year-round and fitting a telescopic roof. It would be run by a charity, not the council.

Related links

But WDC said health and safety requirements had not been met and the business model contained “fundamental flaws” (see link, bottom of story).

Comments (26)

1:40pm Thu 24 Sep 09

time to go clarke says...

Fern Britton for Leader of WDC
Time to go Clarke !!!
Fern Britton for Leader of WDC Time to go Clarke !!! time to go clarke

1:55pm Thu 24 Sep 09

miccles says...

time to go clarke wrote:
Fern Britton for Leader of WDC Time to go Clarke !!!
here here
keep it up Fern, we're all behind you.

Go on Clarke do wycombe a big favour, get a one way ticket somewhere far away.
[quote][p][bold]time to go clarke[/bold] wrote: Fern Britton for Leader of WDC Time to go Clarke !!![/p][/quote]here here keep it up Fern, we're all behind you. Go on Clarke do wycombe a big favour, get a one way ticket somewhere far away. miccles

2:06pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali says...

“The young people of High Wycombe need as much healthy outdoor activity as possible."

Perhaps we could give them all stomach staples instead?

Oh yeah and how often did Ms Britton use these facilities?
“The young people of High Wycombe need as much healthy outdoor activity as possible." Perhaps we could give them all stomach staples instead? Oh yeah and how often did Ms Britton use these facilities? Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali

2:29pm Thu 24 Sep 09

yog says...

time to go clarke wrote:
Fern Britton for Leader of WDC Time to go Clarke !!!
Fern does seem to take an interest in local community matters so who knows!

She is absolutely right that we need to do everything possible to get our young people off their computers and into healthy exercise.

Come on WDC get the pool reopened.
[quote][p][bold]time to go clarke[/bold] wrote: Fern Britton for Leader of WDC Time to go Clarke !!![/p][/quote]Fern does seem to take an interest in local community matters so who knows! She is absolutely right that we need to do everything possible to get our young people off their computers and into healthy exercise. Come on WDC get the pool reopened. yog

2:30pm Thu 24 Sep 09

miccles says...

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali wrote:
“The young people of High Wycombe need as much healthy outdoor activity as possible." Perhaps we could give them all stomach staples instead? Oh yeah and how often did Ms Britton use these facilities?
She might have used these facilities with her children, who knows, in any case at least she is trying to do something posotive, unlike council staff who only think of themselves and lining their pockets.
[quote][p][bold]Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali[/bold] wrote: “The young people of High Wycombe need as much healthy outdoor activity as possible." Perhaps we could give them all stomach staples instead? Oh yeah and how often did Ms Britton use these facilities?[/p][/quote]She might have used these facilities with her children, who knows, in any case at least she is trying to do something posotive, unlike council staff who only think of themselves and lining their pockets. miccles

2:36pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali says...

I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions.
I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions. Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali

2:43pm Thu 24 Sep 09

giant says...

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali wrote:
I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions.
Yep Clarke will be out this time round!

As for this self confessed council employee he is talking rubbish.
[quote][p][bold]Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali[/bold] wrote: I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions.[/p][/quote]Yep Clarke will be out this time round! As for this self confessed council employee he is talking rubbish. giant

3:55pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali says...

Ok ginat, you seem like a reasonable open-minded person. How is what I've just said rubbish? All decisions are made by elected individuals, councillors, cabinets, panels whatever. Easy to slag off employees when you're not happy becuase at the end of the day we voted in the people that made those decisions. Do you knwo something I don't - I'd be pleased to hear it.
Ok ginat, you seem like a reasonable open-minded person. How is what I've just said rubbish? All decisions are made by elected individuals, councillors, cabinets, panels whatever. Easy to slag off employees when you're not happy becuase at the end of the day we voted in the people that made those decisions. Do you knwo something I don't - I'd be pleased to hear it. Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali

4:26pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Townman says...

I am sure Fern's support is welcome. We in High Wycombe NEED the Rye pool. However as Fern lives in Holmers Green. She it NOT a WDC Council Tax Payer. So sadly none of her business.
If people want change don't vote Tory at the next Election. And all those who stay at home, then complain about WDC. It is down to you to vote.
I am sure Fern's support is welcome. We in High Wycombe NEED the Rye pool. However as Fern lives in Holmers Green. She it NOT a WDC Council Tax Payer. So sadly none of her business. If people want change don't vote Tory at the next Election. And all those who stay at home, then complain about WDC. It is down to you to vote. Townman

4:28pm Thu 24 Sep 09

yog says...

I agree with the fact that the elected cabinet councillors make the final decisions. However, it is often the case and especially so in Wycombe that a lot of these councillors are quite simply not up to the job. They get baffled and intimidated by the senior officers. In an ideal world we would have capable councillors leading WDC but when we do not then the officers should provide more support and guidance.
I agree with the fact that the elected cabinet councillors make the final decisions. However, it is often the case and especially so in Wycombe that a lot of these councillors are quite simply not up to the job. They get baffled and intimidated by the senior officers. In an ideal world we would have capable councillors leading WDC but when we do not then the officers should provide more support and guidance. yog

4:48pm Thu 24 Sep 09

J B Blackett says...

yog wrote:
I agree with the fact that the elected cabinet councillors make the final decisions. However, it is often the case and especially so in Wycombe that a lot of these councillors are quite simply not up to the job. They get baffled and intimidated by the senior officers. In an ideal world we would have capable councillors leading WDC but when we do not then the officers should provide more support and guidance.
Oh, you mean even less democracy and a more bureaucratic rule by civil servants. We've got that at national level with all the Lords, Ladies as ministers and all the other unelected quangos /committees etc. I don't want it at local level as well. No thank very much !
.
If the local politicians are useless or malicious or just uncaring (and they ARE) at least they can be got rid of eventually.
.
But not as frequently as I would like , I admit.
.
The council and civil servants are there to carry out the wishes of their masters - The Elected Representatives/Dele
gates (TERDs) - not our wishes I'm afraid.
.
It is The Elected Representatives (TERDs) ie MPs, councillors etc are supposed to be there to carry out OUR WISHES. Which they patent DO NOT at all levels. That's where the system has broken down - the current crop of politicians just ignore what the British people want and need. They are not to be trusted !
.
The above is only my humble opinion of course and I am just one of the ordinary folk like most of us.
.
Regards
[quote][p][bold]yog[/bold] wrote: I agree with the fact that the elected cabinet councillors make the final decisions. However, it is often the case and especially so in Wycombe that a lot of these councillors are quite simply not up to the job. They get baffled and intimidated by the senior officers. In an ideal world we would have capable councillors leading WDC but when we do not then the officers should provide more support and guidance.[/p][/quote]Oh, you mean even less democracy and a more bureaucratic rule by civil servants. We've got that at national level with all the Lords, Ladies as ministers and all the other unelected quangos /committees etc. I don't want it at local level as well. No thank very much ! . If the local politicians are useless or malicious or just uncaring (and they ARE) at least they can be got rid of eventually. . But not as frequently as I would like , I admit. . The council and civil servants are there to carry out the wishes of their masters - The Elected Representatives/Dele gates (TERDs) - not our wishes I'm afraid. . It is The Elected Representatives (TERDs) ie MPs, councillors etc are supposed to be there to carry out OUR WISHES. Which they patent DO NOT at all levels. That's where the system has broken down - the current crop of politicians just ignore what the British people want and need. They are not to be trusted ! . The above is only my humble opinion of course and I am just one of the ordinary folk like most of us. . Regards J B Blackett

5:20pm Thu 24 Sep 09

peppermint creams says...

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali, What has Ferns Medical proceedure, got to do with you, she is supporting people in her local community, to get justice,i.e to get the local swimming pool reopened, not to have rude personnel remarks made about her. please keep to the matter in hand.
Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali, What has Ferns Medical proceedure, got to do with you, she is supporting people in her local community, to get justice,i.e to get the local swimming pool reopened, not to have rude personnel remarks made about her. please keep to the matter in hand. peppermint creams

5:30pm Thu 24 Sep 09

J B Blackett says...

All support from any source for the re-opening of the Holymead Pool is welcome, the likeable Fern in particular.
.
She used to live in Gt Kingshill in recent years so may have easily taken the family to the Pool. And even now she only lives about 3km from it.
.
Thank you Fern and everybody else in defending one of Wycombe's cultural assets from the vultures / developers.
.
Regards
All support from any source for the re-opening of the Holymead Pool is welcome, the likeable Fern in particular. . She used to live in Gt Kingshill in recent years so may have easily taken the family to the Pool. And even now she only lives about 3km from it. . Thank you Fern and everybody else in defending one of Wycombe's cultural assets from the vultures / developers. . Regards J B Blackett

5:38pm Thu 24 Sep 09

giant says...

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali wrote:
Ok ginat, you seem like a reasonable open-minded person. How is what I've just said rubbish? All decisions are made by elected individuals, councillors, cabinets, panels whatever. Easy to slag off employees when you're not happy becuase at the end of the day we voted in the people that made those decisions. Do you knwo something I don't - I'd be pleased to hear it.
Anwar, Yog has explained the procedure.
You should know most of the work is delegated, done by unelected bumptious council officers. Prime Minister (for Wycombe) Lesley Clarke makes the ultimate decision along with seven cabinet members, however the decision is only good as the information put before her, I would never trust a council officer with so much power, in many cases they serve their own interests. I can give you couple of examples but that would get me banned from this site. Let me give you few hints - kickbacks and nepotism rules the day.
[quote][p][bold]Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali[/bold] wrote: Ok ginat, you seem like a reasonable open-minded person. How is what I've just said rubbish? All decisions are made by elected individuals, councillors, cabinets, panels whatever. Easy to slag off employees when you're not happy becuase at the end of the day we voted in the people that made those decisions. Do you knwo something I don't - I'd be pleased to hear it.[/p][/quote]Anwar, Yog has explained the procedure. You should know most of the work is delegated, done by unelected bumptious council officers. Prime Minister (for Wycombe) Lesley Clarke makes the ultimate decision along with seven cabinet members, however the decision is only good as the information put before her, I would never trust a council officer with so much power, in many cases they serve their own interests. I can give you couple of examples but that would get me banned from this site. Let me give you few hints - kickbacks and nepotism rules the day. giant

5:56pm Thu 24 Sep 09

WycombeSuxers says...

where was she BEFORE it closed, bit late now im afraid

full-wife
where was she BEFORE it closed, bit late now im afraid full-wife WycombeSuxers

6:47pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Plus ça change... says...

Wycombe needs modern leisure stuff, built in a place or places we can access it easily.

What was good for the 1950s is not good for the 2010/20s...

I just don't understand with this mawkish hankering after something that was really not so 'hot' in the first place...
Wycombe needs modern leisure stuff, built in a place or places we can access it easily. What was good for the 1950s is not good for the 2010/20s... I just don't understand with this mawkish hankering after something that was really not so 'hot' in the first place... Plus ça change...

6:49pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Plus ça change... says...

oops - delete 'with'

We really should be more demanding and have higher expectations than we do...
oops - delete 'with' We really should be more demanding and have higher expectations than we do... Plus ça change...

6:53pm Thu 24 Sep 09

The Judge says...

FERN IS WRONG.
THE POOL IS A MONEY PIT.
IF IT RE-OPENS IT WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE MODERNISATION AND THIS WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN COUNCIL TAX. THE PROJECTED COSTS ARE HUGE AND WOULD RESULT IN THE CLOSURE OF OTHER AMENITIES.
THE JUDGE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE POOL OPEN BUT WHO WILL PAY? WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE WHAT IS NEEDED IS PRIVATE FINANCING AND INVESTMENT. MANY FERN CAN COUGH UP THE DOSH?
JUDGE
FERN IS WRONG. THE POOL IS A MONEY PIT. IF IT RE-OPENS IT WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE MODERNISATION AND THIS WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN COUNCIL TAX. THE PROJECTED COSTS ARE HUGE AND WOULD RESULT IN THE CLOSURE OF OTHER AMENITIES. THE JUDGE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE POOL OPEN BUT WHO WILL PAY? WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE WHAT IS NEEDED IS PRIVATE FINANCING AND INVESTMENT. MANY FERN CAN COUGH UP THE DOSH? JUDGE The Judge

7:44pm Thu 24 Sep 09

yog says...

JUDGE - YOU ARE WRONG.

The pool group have identified a number of grants available and together with a fund raising plan would not result in Council Tax going up.

Hampton pool can do it so there is no reason why Wycombe cannot. It is only the lack of vision being shown by WDC that is holding everything back.
JUDGE - YOU ARE WRONG. The pool group have identified a number of grants available and together with a fund raising plan would not result in Council Tax going up. Hampton pool can do it so there is no reason why Wycombe cannot. It is only the lack of vision being shown by WDC that is holding everything back. yog

8:33pm Thu 24 Sep 09

Slacker says...

giant wrote:
Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali wrote:
I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions.
Yep Clarke will be out this time round!

As for this self confessed council employee he is talking rubbish.
Oh come on, do you really think normal council employees are there to make decisions? This is nothing to do with them, it is to do with the councillors making the decisions.
[quote][p][bold]giant[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali[/bold] wrote: I've worked in local government and I think you are perpetuating a common misconception that "council staff" have anything to do with it. You will find that it's the people WE VOTE IN that make the rubbish decisions.[/p][/quote]Yep Clarke will be out this time round! As for this self confessed council employee he is talking rubbish.[/p][/quote]Oh come on, do you really think normal council employees are there to make decisions? This is nothing to do with them, it is to do with the councillors making the decisions. Slacker

10:21pm Thu 24 Sep 09

TheInsider says...

I think it's great that you guys have such a high profile local celebrity willing to come out and support a local facility and campaign.
There are councils all over the UK closing down sports facilities and failing to invest in their upkeep as they are an easy budget cut to make. The situation will only get worse as councils tighten their belts to counter the recession and the only people able to access services will be those who have the money to use private sports and health clubs.
However, wherever we live in the UK, we must fight to keep facilities open because once they go, we will never get them back.
I think it's great that you guys have such a high profile local celebrity willing to come out and support a local facility and campaign. There are councils all over the UK closing down sports facilities and failing to invest in their upkeep as they are an easy budget cut to make. The situation will only get worse as councils tighten their belts to counter the recession and the only people able to access services will be those who have the money to use private sports and health clubs. However, wherever we live in the UK, we must fight to keep facilities open because once they go, we will never get them back. TheInsider

11:08am Fri 25 Sep 09

irish john says...

To options rebuild it to a modern day sports standard pool. or build houses on the site. hurry up and do one or another
To options rebuild it to a modern day sports standard pool. or build houses on the site. hurry up and do one or another irish john

1:07pm Fri 25 Sep 09

Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali says...

"You should know most of the work is delegated, done by unelected bumptious council officers. Prime Minister (for Wycombe) Lesley Clarke makes the ultimate decision along with seven cabinet members, however the decision is only good as the information put before her, I would never trust a council officer with so much power, in many cases they serve their own interests."

You really are open minded - "bumptious council officers". On one hand people like you don't want council employees doing anything and in the same breath will complain that nothing is done. That was my experience that people will always moan whatever is done. How would shutting an open air pool be in any council employee's "own interest". You seem to be basing your arguments on non-fact although I am intrigued by these examples you speak of. How would they get you banned from the BFP site? It just seems like you've made this up. "Kickbacks"? how does that work? Nope I think you've just made it up to suit your argument.
"You should know most of the work is delegated, done by unelected bumptious council officers. Prime Minister (for Wycombe) Lesley Clarke makes the ultimate decision along with seven cabinet members, however the decision is only good as the information put before her, I would never trust a council officer with so much power, in many cases they serve their own interests." You really are open minded - "bumptious council officers". On one hand people like you don't want council employees doing anything and in the same breath will complain that nothing is done. That was my experience that people will always moan whatever is done. How would shutting an open air pool be in any council employee's "own interest". You seem to be basing your arguments on non-fact although I am intrigued by these examples you speak of. How would they get you banned from the BFP site? It just seems like you've made this up. "Kickbacks"? how does that work? Nope I think you've just made it up to suit your argument. Anwar Mohammed Akhtar Ali

8:08am Sat 26 Sep 09

davidjc says...

As always going off subject...........wh
y don't you stick to the article and make some sensible comments, either support it or don't. What is wrong with you people, is it any wonder nothing is improved when you can't enter into healthy debate all you end up doing is denegrating each other. Waste of time.
As always going off subject...........wh y don't you stick to the article and make some sensible comments, either support it or don't. What is wrong with you people, is it any wonder nothing is improved when you can't enter into healthy debate all you end up doing is denegrating each other. Waste of time. davidjc

11:04am Sat 26 Sep 09

Plus ça change... says...

Who can we get in to 'champion' the Roman Villa?




Who can we get in to 'champion' the Roman Villa? Plus ça change...

8:11am Mon 28 Sep 09

Neil Bailey Save Holywell Mead Pool says...

Fern

Thank you for your support - our community really needs as much help as it can get. We need to get the pool re-opened for all of our community's health and wel being. It was very rewarding to see our community actively debate and support the future of this much needed community resource. Our group will be inviting our community to meet us shortly - any help and ideas will be greatly received

Regards Neil Bailey

Chair

Holywell Mead Pool - Save Our Swim
Fern Thank you for your support - our community really needs as much help as it can get. We need to get the pool re-opened for all of our community's health and wel being. It was very rewarding to see our community actively debate and support the future of this much needed community resource. Our group will be inviting our community to meet us shortly - any help and ideas will be greatly received Regards Neil Bailey Chair Holywell Mead Pool - Save Our Swim Neil Bailey Save Holywell Mead Pool

Comments are closed on this article.

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