Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre

Hi

I am posting this with regard to the article that appeared in The Oxford Times
last week, regarding closing Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre, and
replacing it with a 25 Meter pool at Blackbird Leys?

I go to Temple Cowley, nearly every day, and think it is an absolutely
essential facility to keep in Cowley - and so do a lot of people I have been
speaking to. We think it provides a unique way of meeting people who work and
live in the neighbourhood, plus the opportunity to keep healthy.

The new gym that was put in earlier this year, has been a real hit, and I think
goes to show that if the rest of the centre had a bit of tlc, it could make a
real difference.

Does anyone else feel strongly?

Wendy

<email obscured> wrote:
> Hi
>
> I am posting this with regard to the article that appeared in The
> Oxford Times last week, regarding closing Temple Cowley Pool and
> Fitness Centre, and replacing it with a 25 Meter pool at Blackbird
> Leys?
>
> I go to Temple Cowley, nearly every day, and think it is an
> absolutely essential facility to keep in Cowley - and so do a lot of
> people I have been speaking to. We think it provides a unique way of
> meeting people who work and live in the neighbourhood, plus the
> opportunity to keep healthy.
>
> The new gym that was put in earlier this year, has been a real hit,
> and I think goes to show that if the rest of the centre had a bit of
> tlc, it could make a real difference.
>
> Does anyone else feel strongly?

Yes, I feel extremely strongly about this. I think it is dishonest and
deceitful for the council to have a headline about a new pool and then
bury in the article the closure of Temple Cowley Pools.

I think to close it will create loads more traffic from people who now
have to drive to a pool rather than being able to walk or cycle. And
you can bet your bottom dollar the site will be sold off for yet more
housing in Cowley Marsh.

I think it is nothing short of scandalous! What about the fortune that
has just been spent on the fitness centre at Temple Cowley Pools. Will
that go to waste? That really would be criminal in the current economic
climate. We've already lost Cowley Community Centre, The Mela and the
Cowley Road carnival. To lose Temple Cowley pools too would be yet
another nail in any sense of community building and community cohesion
we might have in Cowley.

Tony

Rest of post

Thanks very much for your comments - I totally and utterly agree, I feel like
the heart is being ripped out of Cowley.

Also, if the council are were to sell of the land, during the recession, it
would be a total bargain to a developer - so I would imagine there are wolves
at the door already.

My worry is as well, that if the pool was relocated, what about the Library,
and The Silver Band Hall?

There is a meeting being hosted by Fusion - who have taken over the running of
the Oxford Council owned leisure facilities for Temple Cowley Pools on 4 June
at The Silver Band Hall at 1800 hours, but of course, Fusion are just running
things, they aren't making the decisions.

I am a member of the Temple Cowley User Group, and am just waiting to hear back
about what further action we can take - or if anyone else has any suggestions,
they would be gratefully received.

Wendy

Rest of post

----- Original Message ----
From: Tony Brett <<email obscured>>
To: <email obscured>
Cc: oxford-cowley@forums.e-democracy.org
Sent: Tuesday, 26 May, 2009 16:33:56
Subject: Re: [Oxford-Cowley] Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to
replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre

<email obscured> wrote:
> Hi
>
> I am posting this with regard to the article that appeared in The
> Oxford Times last week, regarding closing Temple Cowley Pool and
> Fitness Centre, and replacing it with a 25 Meter pool at Blackbird
> Leys?
>
> I go to Temple Cowley, nearly every day, and think it is an
> absolutely essential facility to keep in Cowley - and so do a lot of
> people I have been speaking to. We think it provides a unique way of
> meeting people who work and live in the neighbourhood, plus the
> opportunity to keep healthy.
>
> The new gym that was put in earlier this year, has been a real hit,
> and I think goes to show that if the rest of the centre had a bit of
> tlc, it could make a real difference.
>
> Does anyone else feel strongly?

Yes, I feel extremely strongly about this. I think it is dishonest and
deceitful for the council to have a headline about a new pool and then
bury in the article the closure of Temple Cowley Pools.

I think to close it will create loads more traffic from people who now
have to drive to a pool rather than being able to walk or cycle. And
you can bet your bottom dollar the site will be sold off for yet more
housing in Cowley Marsh.

I think it is nothing short of scandalous! What about the fortune that
has just been spent on the fitness centre at Temple Cowley Pools. Will
that go to waste? That really would be criminal in the current economic
climate. We've already lost Cowley Community Centre, The Mela and the
Cowley Road carnival. To lose Temple Cowley pools too would be yet
another nail in any sense of community building and community cohesion
we might have in Cowley.

Tony

--
Tony Brett
6 Reliance Way
Oxford OX4 2FU
Tel. 01865 401725 / 07971 589623
VOIP: 01865 988388

Dear All

I agree entirely that the loss of Temple Cowley Pool and Gym is unacceptable.
The Green Group on the County Council will do everything in its power to
prevent this and I am sure the whole Party will agree when it is brought to our
monthly meeting.

Larry Sanders
Leader, Green Group
Oxfordshire county Council

Rest of post

________________________________

From: Wendy Hayden [mailto:<email obscured>]
Sent: Tue 5/26/2009 17:02
To: Tony Brett
Cc: oxford-cowley@forums.e-democracy.org
Subject: Re: [Oxford-Cowley] Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to
replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre

Thanks very much for your comments - I totally and utterly agree, I feel like
the heart is being ripped out of Cowley.

Also, if the council are were to sell of the land, during the recession, it
would be a total bargain to a developer - so I would imagine there are wolves
at the door already.

My worry is as well, that if the pool was relocated, what about the Library,
and The Silver Band Hall?

There is a meeting being hosted by Fusion - who have taken over the running of
the Oxford Council owned leisure facilities for Temple Cowley Pools on 4 June
at The Silver Band Hall at 1800 hours, but of course, Fusion are just running
things, they aren't making the decisions.

I am a member of the Temple Cowley User Group, and am just waiting to hear back
about what further action we can take - or if anyone else has any suggestions,
they would be gratefully received.

Wendy

----- Original Message ----
From: Tony Brett <<email obscured>>
To: <email obscured>
Cc: oxford-cowley@forums.e-democracy.org
Sent: Tuesday, 26 May, 2009 16:33:56
Subject: Re: [Oxford-Cowley] Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to
replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre

<email obscured> wrote:
> Hi
>
> I am posting this with regard to the article that appeared in The
> Oxford Times last week, regarding closing Temple Cowley Pool and
> Fitness Centre, and replacing it with a 25 Meter pool at Blackbird
> Leys?
>
> I go to Temple Cowley, nearly every day, and think it is an
> absolutely essential facility to keep in Cowley - and so do a lot of
> people I have been speaking to. We think it provides a unique way of
> meeting people who work and live in the neighbourhood, plus the
> opportunity to keep healthy.
>
> The new gym that was put in earlier this year, has been a real hit,
> and I think goes to show that if the rest of the centre had a bit of
> tlc, it could make a real difference.
>
> Does anyone else feel strongly?

Yes, I feel extremely strongly about this. I think it is dishonest and
deceitful for the council to have a headline about a new pool and then
bury in the article the closure of Temple Cowley Pools.

I think to close it will create loads more traffic from people who now
have to drive to a pool rather than being able to walk or cycle. And
you can bet your bottom dollar the site will be sold off for yet more
housing in Cowley Marsh.

I think it is nothing short of scandalous! What about the fortune that
has just been spent on the fitness centre at Temple Cowley Pools. Will
that go to waste? That really would be criminal in the current economic
climate. We've already lost Cowley Community Centre, The Mela and the
Cowley Road carnival. To lose Temple Cowley pools too would be yet
another nail in any sense of community building and community cohesion
we might have in Cowley.

Tony

--
Tony Brett
6 Reliance Way
Oxford OX4 2FU
Tel. 01865 401725 / 07971 589623
VOIP: 01865 988388

Wendy Hayden

Info about Wendy Hayden: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/wendyjhuk

View all messages on this topic at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/8bX138aqAgv0T2raLa91B
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Cllr Larry Sanders wrote:
> Dear All
>
> I agree entirely that the loss of Temple Cowley Pool and Gym is
> unacceptable. The Green Group on the County Council will do
> everything in its power to prevent this and I am sure the whole Party
> will agree when it is brought to our monthly meeting.

I had understood that this forum was not for party political points and
certainly not for party political points to be made by candidates in
local elections. I realise I am a candidate too but have deliberately
avoided referring to any political parties in this discussion. I would
be obliged if others would do the same.

This is not the place for party-political grandstanding, especially
during an election.

Tony

Rest of post

It's hardly 'grandstanding' to inform the public what a party's stance on a
local issue is.

Personally, as a member of the public, I am interested in knowing people's
(and, as elections approach, candidates') and their parties' opinions on issues
which affect the area I live in. Activity on internet forums, by all
candidates, is a really good way of getting to know their personalities and
values.

Certainly, to ban mention of political parties on an "e-democracy" forum seems
ludicrous.

<email obscured> wrote:
> It's hardly 'grandstanding' to inform the public what a party's stance on a
local issue is.
>
> Personally, as a member of the public, I am interested in knowing people's
(and, as elections approach, candidates') and their parties' opinions on issues
which affect the area I live in. Activity on internet forums, by all
candidates, is a really good way of getting to know their personalities and
values.
>
> Certainly, to ban mention of political parties on an "e-democracy" forum
seems ludicrous.

It may seem ludicrous but in the interests of fairness it is necessary
in an election period. I should also add that I would also fight tooth
and nail to retain Temple Cowley Pools, as I hope my email yesterday
made clear.

Retaining a pool or not is not a County Council responsibility (the
library however would be!). Any group on the County Council has very
little or nothing in its power to influence the retention or otherwise
of any facility that is run by the City Council. Personally I would
like to vote for someone who understands the difference!

My party has considerably more members on the City Council than Larry's
so we're probably more likely to be successful in keeping the pool!

That's my last word on this today as I have now reached my
2-posts-per-day limit.

Regards,

Tony

Rest of post

Tony,

I'm not attempting to get into an argument here so I hope you won't
misinterpret my tone. However, I fail to see how it is democratically
justifiable to ban mention of political parties. Free forums like this are a
great way for people to discuss local issues but they should also be an
important way to get to know their representative and potential
representatives. This is especially important where candidates don't have much
financial backing or time for significant street canvassing - I haven't had you
knocking on my door yet ;)

In the interests of fairness candidates should be able to state their positions
on local issues and relate them back to their parties stand points.

Obviously if online discussions lead to canvassing and ill thought out spamming
then there is a problem. Complaining about Larry Sanders' post seems more like
electioneering to me than the post itself.

I should hastily point out that I am in no way affiliated with the Green party
(I am actually a Lib Dem member), I concerned about the principle and the fact
that (as it appears to me) you're trying to score political points by
complaining about people trying to score political points.

Many apologies to Wendy for moving this thread off topic.

Just in case any of you are able to attend the Forum with Fusion tomorrow
regarding Temple Cowley Pools and Leisure Facility at 1800 hours, the venue has
changed - the meeting is now being held at the United Reform Church (big red
church next to the Library).

Thanks

Wendy

Not a great day to have this meeting ....with the elections on.

Best of luck tho

andrew

> From: <email obscured>
> Subject: [Oxford-Cowley] Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to
replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre
> To: oxford-cowley@forums.e-democracy.org
> Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:30:02 +1200
>
> Just in case any of you are able to attend the Forum with Fusion tomorrow
regarding Temple Cowley Pools and Leisure Facility at 1800 hours, the venue has
changed - the meeting is now being held at the United Reform Church (big red
church next to the Library).
>
> Thanks
>
> Wendy
> Wendy Hayden
>
> Info about Wendy Hayden: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/wendyjhuk
>
> View all messages on this topic at:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/suWbsY6r0JCMfvYHXPD3r

Rest of post

I agree, but the meeting has been arranged by Fusion.

<email obscured> wrote:
> I agree, but the meeting has been arranged by Fusion.

Fusion works for the City Council. And would have known it is polling
day because that's the reason they had to move out of the Silver Band
Hall - it's a polling station!

Tony

Rest of post

Tony, I met with Fusion when they were planning the consultation meetings and
suggested firmly that consulting on 4th june was a bad idea. But I was overuled
by guess who. Thx Cllr Craig Simmons

Rest of post

On the issue of Headington being favoured at the expense of other areas. For
many decades until recently, Headington had no publically accessible sports
facilities of any description; this is especially the case with the loss of the
Oxford United football ground and Headington Cricket Club. It was only when
Headington became a marginal set of wards that the council listened at long
last to local requests for this neglect to be rectified.

As for Northway, residents have access to OxsradSports and Leisure for the
Disabled Court Place Farm Marsh Lane Oxford OX3 0NQ 01865 741336, a similar
facility to that of the Lord Nuffield. http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/

I've only just heard about this plan to close Cowley pool. How can the pool be
treated as a disposable facility when so many people use it? I go to the pool
on my bike and Blackbird Leys is not an alternative.

I'm not against the new pool, but I am against Cowley pools which is a great
resource for local people being binned. Both Cowley Pool and Hinksey pool
(which I go to in summer) are wonderful facilities, which both feel as though
they are not cared for or invested in by the council.

Can anyone let me know if there is anything being done to save the pool which I
could support?

There does seem to be an overall plan to turn Cowley Marsh into a SINK ESTATE
with thousands of new residents and no vital facilities or green spaces. - they
have been trying to get their hands on St Christopher's playing fields for
years to turn it into a massive estate removing the library, band hall and
leisure centre will give them the access to do that.

Then there are the plans to privatise Oxford School and give the ULT, who will
be running the school from their pleasant little village in Nottinghamshire,
half of Marsh Park !

The county think they can get away with this because Cowley has a large
proportion of council residents (they would never try this on in Summertown ! )
and because they think we cannot organise against them.
The fantastic campaign run by parents and local residents to stop the closure
of St Christophers has shown them to be wrong.The saving of Warneford Meadow
has shown them to be wrong.!!!!

But we need to get going.

The ULT are acting as if this is a done and dusted deal.
They already put have an unaccountable executive puppet manager in place to
silence dissent and make sure the process goes ahead.

Is this what we want for our environment, our children and our future ?

Call the papers, hassle all your locally elected representatives and anyone
else you can think of !

www.saveoxfordschool.com

EMcHale

Rest of post

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Proposed 25m swimming pool in Blackbird Leys to replace Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre

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