Lib Dem success in Peartree backs demand for new pool for WGC

3.14.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

The Lib Dems picked up two seats from Labour in last week's election, both in Peartree Ward. They put this down not just to the weakness of Gordon Brown's Labour party, but also to their consistent demands that a pool be included in the Broadwater Road development.

Lib Dem councillors and activists were prominent at the consultation on the Broadwater Road West development held at Woodhall Community Centre the previous week. But 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 clearly as disappointed as we are that the plans have taken a backwards step," commented Nigel Quinton. "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"

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 south-east that does not have a pool as part of their leisure development?

Lib Dem councillor Tony Skottowe, who co-founded the Welwyn Garden Heritage Trust, added: "This would be a perfect opportunity to launch a competition and invite some of the best architects to create another 'special place' as did the town's original creators back in the 1920's; and you never know, Tesco might like to sponsor this?"

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