“I am a regular swimmer at the pool 3 to 4 times a week . Unlike all those who appear to prefer to comment rather than act, I was on the demo with all my family, who all also use the pool weekly when it is open. Most people on the march I know because they also use the pool. The point seems to be once again being lost. The pool is a SERVICE, to be used by the people of Portishead and the whole surrounding area. I do not use the bowling greens at the Lake Grounds or Leisure Centre how many visitors do they get a season? I also do not sit in the flower garden near to where I live at the Lake grounds. I do not use any day care centre's in North Somerset, or benefit from free bus travel because I am not a pensioner. How much profit do all these make? How about the health centre, home nursing/help and North Somerset Police . What's their profit margins? Perhaps as one commentator writes we should look at asking all service users to close the funding gap!

The point is that reports have not been truthful with facts and figures. Present management has attempted to prevent the pool from being successful for several reasons; restricting opening times , not cleaning the water or any part of the facility and regularly either poorly heating the water or not heating it at all. Which for swimmers training is fantastic but not for those who are their for leisure reasons.

The argument remains you either agree that services are for all based on need or you don't. I feel unfortunately the tone of most commentators is that we live in a very selfish part of the U.K. Perhaps we should all start thinking about just ourselves what a great town Portishead would be? If we let this plan of closure go ahead what's going to be next?”

“Well my view was that the march was all positive. Well done to everyone. It is good to see that there are people of all ages who are prepared to voice their opinions. The ever increasing population of Portishead need leisure facilities. The open air pool is a valuable community asset which has been left to decay by North Somerset. I see that a letter is being drafted to the ombudsman concerning the Local Authority report on the pool. It appears that the figures quoted re running costs are flawed. Lets get the accurate figures and consider all the options before writing it off - I think we can do without another block of flats!”

“Whilst I respect the personal views of all those who have commented, I fear none, including PJ of Portishead, have read the Outline Report produced by the Friends of Portishead Open Air Pool in which clear recommendations were made as to how this facility could be improved. None of which incidentally, North Somerset Council acted upon and in my letter to the council dated 18th April, 2008, I expressed concern that "If no positive action as recommended is taken during the coming season, action that could improve the usage figures and the pool's income, then North Somerset Council will be solely accountable".

In addition to the failure of the council and managing contractor to implement recommendations, the Review Report issued by the council (which I also wonder whether those commenting have read) contained inaccurate comments with so many anomalies and discrepancies that the information within it is rendered useless for the purpose of supporting the council's recommendations for closure. That is why several people including myself, have formally challenged the report and feel so strongly. These formal documents submitted to the council are also available if people want more information.

Those marching on Saturday wanted to feel they were doing something in addition to the many letters, reports and meetings that have already taken place, the children especially. This open air pool is used by people both within and outside North Somerset, many of whom come from Bristol, and is something worth saving. Not everyone will agree but those of us who feel strongly that this amenity is too valuable to lose wish to actively
do as much as we can rather than sitting back doing nothing.

We all want to make a rational decision on the pool's future but this is impossible until the review report is corrected and ALL the information is on the table. Regrettably, this has not yet happened and we can only question why this may be. Only today, details promised by the council have yet again failed to arrive. This pool was built with tax payers money and we have a right to know how our increased council tax money is accounted for. If any of those commenting would like further information, please contact one of the support groups which have been widely publicised.”

“I think you all miss the point. The argument for closing the pool appears to have been based on some very corrupt facts and figures which when repeated through time become more corrupt and inaccurate. Portishead leisure centre loses over £200,000 a year, are they going to close that?
The reason the council have systematically neglected the pool is because 20 years ago they lost the same argument they are having now and those who then argued in its favour have helped the councils cause by failing to support the pool, and more so by not being more vocal over the past 20 years about the lack of maintenance and neglect and the total lack of management from a private company paid to run the place into the ground.
Sadly, however much I think the pool should remain, and yes it could be turned into a profitable enterprise with the right management, I feel that Saturdays protest did more harm to the cause than good because the turnout was actually quite abysmal for a town the size of Portishead. The reality was (and yes I did a swift headcount as they passed my house) there were no more than 180 and a couple of dogs and the odd pushchair on the march.
Sadly this merely echoes the tactics of the council, in that giving inaccurate figures to the press to make your case helps no one.
Surely someone in this town is still capable of honesty and truth... nope, probably a long shot.”

“MJH - I don't doubt you saw 100 people in there, but its dependent on the weather to a great extent, and that's why it's unfortunately a lemon and when the Council needs to balance the books, a facility like the pool will always be at risk.
It would be great if it could be retained and enhanced, but my point stands, that those who want it, must provide real support in closing the funding gap.
Could it be adapted to provide a facility in the winter maybe? - cover the pool/roller skating perhaps.”

“Thanks Jerry, not suggesting you lot are Yuppies, far from it, just highlighting the fact that if someone wishes to buy a prime plot of land for the aforementioned valuation of £600k and then turn it into a capital venture and profit from the council getting rid of something that they can't be bothered to maintain then we are in a sorry state. Portishead local authority cant even provide it's residents with a bin to put their rubbish in despite the £2k annual council tax bill.
On the occasions this year when I've been to this outdoor pool with family there have been in excess of 100 people swimming. Problem is that it is only open 6 months of the year.
Still, knock it down, it's worthless, turn it into a pub and let all the locals drink themselves to an early grave instead of keeping fit.”

“MJH - have you read the posts, or did you have your post prepared regardless of what people have said?
No-one on this thread appears to show signs of being a 'Yuppie' nor wish to the facility to be replaced with a shopping centre or supermarket - although that would of course create more local jobs.
If people want the pool, then they need to support it in real terms, not by waving bits of cardboard about.
Like you, i'm sitting behind my computer at the moment rather than stripping off for a swim at Portishead pool.”

“Perhaps they should demolish it and replace it with a shopping centre, a supermarket or even some yuppie flats. That way, you that have commented would get your wish and be happy?
Once again removing a valuable local facility and assisting with the lining of fat corporate pockets.
Perhaps you should start using facilities like this yourselves instead of sitting in front of your computers......”

“Perhaps if the 400 protestors committed to attend the pool say 50 times a year and entered into a direct debit scheme with the council on that basis,it would go a long way towards funding the facility.
I suspect though that most just want to wave placards about.”

“I reckon Rex (60) has hit on a superb idea for the teenagers. Get them to do regular protest marches to relieve their boredom. Their spelling/art work would improve with huge banners, walking can keep them fit, they can also socialise with fellow walkers. They can learn local Geography by walking around new places and of course History by talking to older walkers about earlier protest marches.”