There was a diving club in Halifax

Edward Wood, Ogden, Halifax

I refer to the debate concerning the new sports hall and swimming pool.

Members of our Synchronised Swimming Club which is one of the foremost clubs in the country insist that the planned depth of the pool is insufficient for them to perform in safety and seemingly will not allow enough depth for diving either.

The controlling body on the council say that it will cost an extra £3m to deepen the pool which is unaffordable. If it is to cost so much to make one end of the pool a few feet deeper one wonders what has been allowed for digging out the main body of the pool.

We must remember that this is the same group who told us that the 30 year old Northgate House/library complex was in such a poor state that the only way forward was demolition and redevelopment. That property now refurbished houses, the new college and an international insurance company. Perhaps it is time to have another look at the closed pool building on Huddersfield Road?

Justification for closing that facility included: the pool leaked, all the mechanical and electrical infrastructure was worn out, the windows needed replacing as did the roof.

What is certain is that any new building will need to have the pool made water tight, will need all new mechanical and electrical installations and a roof.

Constructing a new pool will be expensive, will involve hundreds of vehicle loads to landfill and numerous loads of concrete. On Huddersfield Road we have a ready-made deep hole with surrounding walls.

One councillor said that we did not need a pool deep enough for diving as there was not a diving club in Halifax. There was a diving club when there was a pool suitable for the activity!