Broadwater Development Consultants back Lib Dem swimming pool idea

9.46.45am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Apr 2008

LibDem candidate Louise Lotz (Peartree Ward) and Cllr Nigel Quinton (Handside) review the development proposals

Lib Dem councillors and activists were prominent at the consultation on the Broadwater Road West development at Woodhall Community Centre. They were unimpressed with what was on offer, and were not alone in their disappointment.

The consultants who were present said that a pool would fit nicely with the original concept of a mixed use development combining employment, leisure, high density housing and a combined heat and power (CHP) facility. CHP's are ideal for providing the energy required for a pool, and this would go a long way to making a pool an affordable option.

"The consultants are disappointed that the plans have taken a backwards step," commented Nigel. "The pool idea was clearly vetoed by the council leadership and it now seems even the flagship CHP plant may not after all be a bio-mass burner, but will be gas fired."

"The plan is now just a residential development with leisure and employment tacked on. This was supposed to be an opportunity to reclaim and extend the vision of Ebenezer Howard - now it looks like we can kiss goodbye to the town ever regaining its reputation as a beacon of social design - its a huge missed opportunity"

Cllr Nigel Quinton echoed the thoughts of many residents when he called for the inclusion of a swimming pool in the master plan. In a recent survey in Handside ward, he reported that 91% who responded said they were in favour of a pool.

So why are the Council blocking it, when Welwyn Garden City is one of just two towns of comparable size in the UK that does not have a pool as part of their leisure development?

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For additional comment or explanation contact Nigel Quinton on 01707 372673 or nigel.quinton@btinternet.com