Pool protest man told by councillor to drop questions (From Bucks Free Press)

Holywell Mead protest man told by councillor to drop questions

12:00pm Friday 17th July 2009 in Search By Oliver Evans

AN angry resident blasted a council for calling a consultation meeting on green plans but not the closure of Holywell Mead swimming pool – and was told to be quiet.

The man questioned why Wycombe District Council did not call a public meeting on the cash-saving pool closure but did to discuss “sustainability” issues, attended by about 20 people last night.

He asked Haidrun Breith, natural environment officer: “Why didn’t the council consult before it closed air swimming pool?”

But planning boss Jean Teesdale stepped in and said: “We are not here to talk about that. It is not fair to ask that question to this young lady.

“The decision was made on cost effectiveness. We have to accept the fact that we had a lot of problems there but I am not prepared to talk about it tonight.”

Cllr Teesdale, cabinet member for planning and sustainability, said he could write to the relevant WDC cabinet member.

“I’m sure she will give you the answer you want but it is not for this evening,” she said.

The Tory-dominated council voted to close the pool in February to save £66,000-a-year.

They said the pool, by The Rye, was under-used and needed expensive maintenance.

Last night's meeting at John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe was one of a series of council meetings to discuss its "development plan".

This outlines what the council will allow to be built to 2026, including thousands of homes.