The economic reasons for the closure of the Golden Square pool may seem sound, but I wonder if the council has considered the wider implications.
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Has the council undertaken a health impact assessment of the intended closure?
Obesity and lack of physical activity are considered two of the most serious risks to individual health and wellbeing.
There are few opportunities for kids today to engage in physical activity and the council now proposes to remove another.
It has been shown that proximity to recreation areas increases the frequency of exercise.
Pools also provide other social benefits for communities that go beyond just swimming, particular for parents of young children and those who are more disadvantaged.
With the likelihood of more frequent heatwaves, swimming pools also offer a place of refuge for those who can’t afford air-conditioning or when it fails due to the power outages that can be expected.
In this heat I wish I could walk to my local pool, only one block away, but alas it is closed.
Karen Moore,
Golden Square