Residents stand firm over Holywell Mead future (From Bucks Free Press)

Whats is needed is the Pool and Environment Centre to remainin the hands of a Not For Profit organisation run by local people we can trust.

Will WDC listen to this or will they offer the running of site to commercial where we risk changes to the Pool and infrastructure that local people have no say in !!

Debate over the pool continues and I suspect the issue will not go away until WDC and Tony Green listen. I applaud The Wycombe Society for supporting the campaign and the views of local residents to get the pool re-open.

How about a Gym in the Environment Centre, altering the depth of the Teaching Pool for kids swimming lessons, a water play area for kids, some picnic benches and a Cafe area with Terrace for swimmers and Rye users to use. Dry side sports, catering and swimming lessons will be a great revenue generator. A space for the community. Come on WDC use your heads!

green damage limitation wrote:
Whats is needed is the Pool and Environment Centre to remainin the hands of a Not For Profit organisation run by local people we can trust. Will WDC listen to this or will they offer the running of site to commercial where we risk changes to the Pool and infrastructure that local people have no say in !!

The environment centre was in the hands of a Not For Profit organisation....and it failed, even with state grants and subsidised rent.

Fantastic that the Wycombe Society has now come out in favour of the pool. Everyone acknowledges that the facilities need to be improved no one was suggesting to just reopen the pool with no changes. In fact the consultation document includes many of the options that the pool group put in their business plan!
Let us hope that the message is finally getting through to the council.

wycombenewbie wrote:

green damage limitation wrote: Whats is needed is the Pool and Environment Centre to remainin the hands of a Not For Profit organisation run by local people we can trust. Will WDC listen to this or will they offer the running of site to commercial where we risk changes to the Pool and infrastructure that local people have no say in !!

The environment centre was in the hands of a Not For Profit organisation....and it failed, even with state grants and subsidised rent.

EC is a great success in what it delivers for community and the groups that use it -- WDC are withdrawing support to many groups across the town.There will be more groups at risk due to Tory lack of compassion and understanding of community needs.

If High Wycombe had a Town Council (like Marlow and P Ris) it would be funding NFP groups from council precept funds.

Issue is WDC Tory councillors are out of touch on where funds should be spent and fail to listen toresidents and electorate

LOL! I am still waiting for my bins to be collected since the beginning of December and they are worrying about an open air swimming pool, priorities please!

MC=2 wrote:
LOL! I am still waiting for my bins to be collected since the beginning of December and they are worrying about an open air swimming pool, priorities please!

Im with MC on this , how many people are actually going to use this facility ? Will it turn a profit ?
The bottom line is probably what wdc are looking at and forced its closure in the first place.
Are there not other things that require more immediate attention of the councils money? (our money)

WDC has done the deal already, behind closed doors, with a leisure company. This public consultation is just a cover to make them look like they care. I don't know this as fact, its what I deduced from the various reports of what has been said in public meetings. It stinks, the WDC is corrupt.

MC=2 wrote:
LOL! I am still waiting for my bins to be collected since the beginning of December and they are worrying about an open air swimming pool, priorities please!

Bins are a tactical issue that will be resolved now the snows gone -- my bins were collected today having waited over 5 weeks


In Summer when we dont have an open air pool People shout where is the pool !!! If we dont get it back its gone forever along with other Town assets Clarke , Green and this out of touch Tory council are selling off!!

Wycombe District Council is looking to consult with residents about future uses They say they are interested in your views about what leisure purposes it could be used for so please take a few minutes to complete their questionnaire
Do in now it
go to
https://payments.wyc
ombe.gov.uk/Surveys/
holywellmead/holywel
lmead.htm

My comments to the wdc online form
I would like to see the old outside swimming pool reopened ,maybe with a roller thermal cover over the pool to keep heat in at night, it could then open up for a longer period , but would need better advertising than it use to have .The pool gave an incredible amount of enjoyment to local children ,
and it would be a travesty if future generations cant enjoy it two

See how much children enjoyed this pool and how well used it could be,
go to

http://www.youtube.c
om/user/joemonkeywre
nch#p/u/0/iGtvyL2ce7
g

Don't think I would be keen to use outdoor swimming facility, too cold, handy cross indoor pool so much beter

Anyone who bigs up Handycross as "better" clearly hasn't seen many other swimming facilities. It is outdated, inaccessible and poorly maintained.

Three years ago we were promised a brand new leisure centre in the town centre by these Tory muppets who wanted our vote. They have messed that one up, made some excuses and closed community resources.

It makes you wonder what grand promises they will be making this year in the run up to the 2011 elections.

Consultation documents and questionnaires are merely bureaucratic documents to help slow down the whole process.
~
The people of Wycombe want the pool re-opened so why not get on with it and cut out all the red tape?
~
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “YOUR SAY” link at the top of the page then click on “BLOGS”.

Can I just throw a question into the mix?
IF Holymead pool is so popular why is it being closed for underuse?
Bottom line is, if people really wanted the facility, it would be used and we would not even be having this conversation.
Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating the closure, I am just currious as to whether everyone on here who is getting upset actually used the pool.

IF MONEY WAS NOT LOST ON A SPECULATIVE VENTURE INTO FOREIGN BANKS WE WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS DEBATE. THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ICE-BANK FIASCO SHOULD FINANCE HOLYWELL MEAD PERSONALLY OR RESIGN.
JUDGE

ivor wrote:
Consultation documents and questionnaires are merely bureaucratic documents to help slow down the whole process.
~
The people of Wycombe want the pool re-opened so why not get on with it and cut out all the red tape?
~
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “YOUR SAY” link at the top of the page then click on “BLOGS”.

How many people ? 1% 50% 100%?
The population is what 100,000 approx
1% would be 1000 people , I dont even see that many getting envolved .State facts Ivor.

I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it.
If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

demoness wrote:
I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris?
High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!!

The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts.

Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept.

WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote: I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris? High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!! The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts. Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept. WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

Can I ask you what evidence you have that the pool is mainly used by Wycombe residents only?

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote: I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris? High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!! The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts. Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept. WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

Can I ask you what evidence you have that the pool is mainly used by Wycombe residents only?

Based on catchment areas travel, times and fact or population densities.Everying has a walk and drive time to it.

WDC should be able to supply the user demographics from past usage patterns -- from that we can see the usage catchment area which will predominetly be HW town users!!

THe bigger issue is why should Marlow and Princes Ris residents have say in a HW town resource. As a High Wycombe resident im not consulted on local resources and plans for Marlow or Princes Ris!!!

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote: I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris? High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!! The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts. Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept. WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

Can I ask you what evidence you have that the pool is mainly used by Wycombe residents only?

Based on catchment areas travel, times and fact or population densities.Everying has a walk and drive time to it. WDC should be able to supply the user demographics from past usage patterns -- from that we can see the usage catchment area which will predominetly be HW town users!! THe bigger issue is why should Marlow and Princes Ris residents have say in a HW town resource. As a High Wycombe resident im not consulted on local resources and plans for Marlow or Princes Ris!!!

Right, so you do not have any evidence that it is mainly Wycombe residents who mainly use the pool. You made an assumption, I challenged you on it , you were unable to prove it -you are STILL unable to prove it which brings us back to the point that there is no evidence to support your assertion. You say there is the means to support your assertion but still cannot prove it and just repeat the same allegation which I think is really funny.
ANNDDDDDDd - whether you like it or not, we do not have a dedicated town council, at the moment Marlow and Princes Risborough residents still contribute to council tax for this area .Therefore sadly they do still have a say.

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote: I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris? High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!! The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts. Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept. WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

Can I ask you what evidence you have that the pool is mainly used by Wycombe residents only?

Based on catchment areas travel, times and fact or population densities.Everying has a walk and drive time to it. WDC should be able to supply the user demographics from past usage patterns -- from that we can see the usage catchment area which will predominetly be HW town users!! THe bigger issue is why should Marlow and Princes Ris residents have say in a HW town resource. As a High Wycombe resident im not consulted on local resources and plans for Marlow or Princes Ris!!!

Right, so you do not have any evidence that it is mainly Wycombe residents who mainly use the pool. You made an assumption, I challenged you on it , you were unable to prove it -you are STILL unable to prove it which brings us back to the point that there is no evidence to support your assertion. You say there is the means to support your assertion but still cannot prove it and just repeat the same allegation which I think is really funny. ANNDDDDDDd - whether you like it or not, we do not have a dedicated town council, at the moment Marlow and Princes Risborough residents still contribute to council tax for this area .Therefore sadly they do still have a say.

Ask question of WDC re catchments if you wish to persue -- at meeting on Friday officer stated most people would come from HW town that use the pool

Its not good that HW town doesnt have a town council to protect it from the likes of Clarke and Green and the Rural Tory councillors who are using High Wycombe assets and services to keep their own council tax down--- at expense of HW Town which is paying for it by loss of pool , services and buildings !!!

Ummm... My council tax funds HW town facilities thus I think I should have a say. Also, I'd comment that my family use the pool from time to time (and other HW facilities for that matter). I've no idea where this notion that it would only be used by HW residents comes from, but it seems a bit unlikely.
.
As far as I am aware, the only significant public services that Marlow town council provides are the cemetery and the allotments. The rest are provided, managed and funded by Wycombe district council on behalf of ALL the residents of Wycombe District. For what its worth, I would expect them all to have a say.
.
Personally I think that an open air pool is a great asset to the area.

tom.marlow wrote:
Ummm... My council tax funds HW town facilities thus I think I should have a say. Also, I'd comment that my family use the pool from time to time (and other HW facilities for that matter). I've no idea where this notion that it would only be used by HW residents comes from, but it seems a bit unlikely. . As far as I am aware, the only significant public services that Marlow town council provides are the cemetery and the allotments. The rest are provided, managed and funded by Wycombe district council on behalf of ALL the residents of Wycombe District. For what its worth, I would expect them all to have a say. . Personally I think that an open air pool is a great asset to the area.

Glad to hear you want pool. Sent a message to WDC ---
make sure you complete the wdc on line survey and specifically ask for open air pool to be kept

go to
https://payments.wyc

ombe.gov.uk/Surveys/

holywellmead/holywel

lmead.htm

towncryer wrote:

tom.marlow wrote: Ummm... My council tax funds HW town facilities thus I think I should have a say. Also, I'd comment that my family use the pool from time to time (and other HW facilities for that matter). I've no idea where this notion that it would only be used by HW residents comes from, but it seems a bit unlikely. . As far as I am aware, the only significant public services that Marlow town council provides are the cemetery and the allotments. The rest are provided, managed and funded by Wycombe district council on behalf of ALL the residents of Wycombe District. For what its worth, I would expect them all to have a say. . Personally I think that an open air pool is a great asset to the area.

Glad to hear you want pool. Sent a message to WDC --- make sure you complete the wdc on line survey and specifically ask for open air pool to be kept go to https://payments.wyc ombe.gov.uk/Surveys/ holywellmead/holywel lmead.htm

LOL

Tom , is it just me, or is this person talking a load of old B***s**t?

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote:

towncryer wrote:

demoness wrote: I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it. If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

WDC have been consulting across district. Why Marlow , why Princes Ris? High Wycombe people dont consult on Marlow or Princes Ris issues,and quite rightly so !!! The pool in reality is used in the main by the people of High Wycombe Town --its their opinion and what they want that really counts. Had we a Town council for High Wycombe they would be protecting and funding the Towns resources from precept. WDC Tory councillors are asset stripping the High Wycombe towns resources to prop up their Icelandic loss and general mismanagement !!

Can I ask you what evidence you have that the pool is mainly used by Wycombe residents only?

Based on catchment areas travel, times and fact or population densities.Everying has a walk and drive time to it. WDC should be able to supply the user demographics from past usage patterns -- from that we can see the usage catchment area which will predominetly be HW town users!! THe bigger issue is why should Marlow and Princes Ris residents have say in a HW town resource. As a High Wycombe resident im not consulted on local resources and plans for Marlow or Princes Ris!!!

Right, so you do not have any evidence that it is mainly Wycombe residents who mainly use the pool. You made an assumption, I challenged you on it , you were unable to prove it -you are STILL unable to prove it which brings us back to the point that there is no evidence to support your assertion. You say there is the means to support your assertion but still cannot prove it and just repeat the same allegation which I think is really funny. ANNDDDDDDd - whether you like it or not, we do not have a dedicated town council, at the moment Marlow and Princes Risborough residents still contribute to council tax for this area .Therefore sadly they do still have a say.

Ask question of WDC re catchments if you wish to persue -- at meeting on Friday officer stated most people would come from HW town that use the pool Its not good that HW town doesnt have a town council to protect it from the likes of Clarke and Green and the Rural Tory councillors who are using High Wycombe assets and services to keep their own council tax down--- at expense of HW Town which is paying for it by loss of pool , services and buildings !!!

I don't.
I merely challenged your rather daft assumption.
You make the allegation, it is up to YOU to prove it to ME!

Not the other way round...

demoness wrote:
Can I just throw a question into the mix?
IF Holymead pool is so popular why is it being closed for underuse?
Bottom line is, if people really wanted the facility, it would be used and we would not even be having this conversation.
Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating the closure, I am just currious as to whether everyone on here who is getting upset actually used the pool.

Having been at both of the public meetings now it was clear to me that the pool holds appeal for both young and old. How refreshing it is to see The High Wycombe Society hosting this debate over the pool. Something that WDC should have hosted themselves before they took a decision on residents behalf to close the pool. WDC work for us, the residents, so they need to start listening.

And yes, although I am sure that you have asked this question many times before, people who attend these meetings all used the pool. They are not there for fun!

The pool was poorly marketed by WDC and poorly run. WDC are missing a huge opportunity to create a 'healthy lifestyle complex' for generations to come. A legacy and a space that is the envy of other towns.

Shame on them if they miss this opportunity.

demoness wrote:
I think that if people really want the pool back this consultation document will show it.
If however there is not enough interest then the council will sadly be justified in it's closure.

The council's handling of this matter can never be justified. You only need two brain cells and a quick trawl through all of last years press coverage to know that they have misjudged public feeling and gone back on their word. I for one cannot wait for their dodgy dealings, sham consultations and wrongly held assumptions to be exposed for all to see. I will be their when they fall from their thrones. I see better and more honest behaviour from children.

Thank you for your intelligent and reasoned response Nannynanny.
IMO the High Wycombe Society are probably the best group to move this forward.
I really do feel that the save the pool group did themselves no favours in aligning themselves with a political party.

To be honest I think it is shocking that they are closing the pool, especially as the Judge said that they lost huge sums on deposit with Icelandic banks.

I agree that the pool is badily managed, neglected and in need of dire refurbishment - however with improvement, it could be a good place for a pool and a gym that the community could use.

Kids of HW, especially those from low income families - need a cheap activity to do in the Summer, it keeps them off the streets and out of mischief. Alot of families can't afford the tenner plus to go to the cinema or bowling....

Again, I'm neither for or against the pool, what annoys me though, is that a group have come forward to run the pool, at their expense, saving our money but the Council have flatly rejected the idea, WHY?

Are they worried that it would be a success and that their hideen agenda in the form of the Wycombe Masterplan will falter?

wayneo wrote:
Again, I'm neither for or against the pool, what annoys me though, is that a group have come forward to run the pool, at their expense, saving our money but the Council have flatly rejected the idea, WHY? Are they worried that it would be a success and that their hideen agenda in the form of the Wycombe Masterplan will falter?

I'll tell you why Wayneo.
Politics - the on line campaign is linked to the libdems page on t'internet.
I truly believe that is why the tories will never agree as the libdems have used it as a political point scorer.

Another classic example of political chicanery and devious plotting. This is the only thing WDC is good at - at the expence of the whole area.
.
They neglect a facility by withholding funds , they allow it to run down providing no maintenance and them when it is a poor state of repair sell it off to their 'associates'.
.
That's what's happened to quite a few High Wycombe Town facilities in the past 18 months - think about it.
.
It's a short-sighted strategic ploy that fits in with the sheer alien and animal callous cunning that oozes from the very pores of the current lot of stupid but arrogant councillors.
.
Apologies for my mixed metaphors and similes. Regards

Another classic example of political chicanery and devious plotting. This is the only thing WDC is good at - at the expence of the whole area.
.
They neglect a facility by withholding funds , they allow it to run down providing no maintenance and them when it is a poor state of repair sell it off to their 'associates'.
.
That's what's happened to quite a few High Wycombe Town facilities in the past 18 months - think about it.
.
It's a short-sighted strategic ploy that fits in with the sheer alien and animal callous cunning that oozes from the very pores of the current lot of stupid but arrogant councillors.
.
Apologies for my mixed metaphors and similes. Regards

demoness wrote:

wayneo wrote: Again, I'm neither for or against the pool, what annoys me though, is that a group have come forward to run the pool, at their expense, saving our money but the Council have flatly rejected the idea, WHY? Are they worried that it would be a success and that their hideen agenda in the form of the Wycombe Masterplan will falter?

I'll tell you why Wayneo. Politics - the on line campaign is linked to the libdems page on t'internet. I truly believe that is why the tories will never agree as the libdems have used it as a political point scorer.

Lets remember its Tories that closed pool. Its Tories who have created a political millstone around their neck by not listening to residents.

Some local Tory councillors want it reopened but are afraid to speak out
against Tory party line !!


BFP have campaign to get it reopened.
Lib Dems have campaign to get it open.
Local Lib Dem councillors Wassell, Guy , Famer and Snaith support reopening of pool
Pool group are none political group who want pool open
Now Wycombe Society have come down on side of reopening pool

This is a bigger issue than political points scoring . It is all about a uncaring arrogant council that wont listen to local people on local issues.

We must be out of our Bucks beechtrees to want something outdoors in our climate.

'Outdoors' is 1930s, 1950s even but not of these times.

Anyone noticed the weather recently?

Whatever we want, roof it!

Let's have facilites we can use 365 days a year, even 24/7 if we like!

Dear Wycombe Community

What a healthy debate this has stirred - good on Wycombe Society for hosting this event for it's members and the wider community - they should be applauded

Some messages that are coming through from the local community posting against this article that I felt need clarification are as follows:

1. Polictics - the steering group, it's members and thousands of supporters are across the political spectrum - anyone is welcome to support this community cause

2. Finances - the steering group, it's members and thousands of supporters wish to assist in removing the financial burden in it's entirety from the council

3. Updating the pool - we wish to update the pool to meet the needs of the community and retain sympathetic changes with it's beautiful location

4. Without constantly carping on it is important to realise that the pool was not marketed, was badly managed, regularly closed due to lack of staff and maintenance and was not opened in a customer friendly manner - many many opportunities were lost to create a welcoming community service

We hope that the recent "consultation" process will show due respect to all of the community's needs and wants

Thank you for your continuing support - please please keep it up your community needs your passion and enthusiasm to deliver this pool back into use

Kind regards

Neil Bailey

Chair - Holywell Mead Pool - Steering Group