Sir – Councillor Saj Malik’s letter to local residents defending Labour’s plans to close Temple Cowley Pool and Gym (TCP) smacks of desperation.

The evidence for retaining TCP is clear:

  • The cost of refurbishing TCP is less than the cost of building a new pool on the outskirts of town – even taking into account Labour’s plans to sell off the TCP land.
  • The planned new pool will be inaccessible by the vast majority of current TCP users whom walk, cycle or use public transport.
  • TCP is not the environmental disaster that Labour claim. All pools use energy — but TCP is one of the most efficient and can be made more efficient still as part of any refurbishment.

The people of Oxford have spoken clearly and decisively on the issue presenting one of Oxford’s largest ever petitions (more than 12,000 signatures) to the city council. Why won’t councillor Malik and his Labour colleagues listen?

Craig Simmons, Vice chairman, Oxfordshire Green Party, Oxford