Save  Arthur Hill Pool

Reading East MP Rob Wilson has written the following letters to Reading Borough Council requesting that they meet with campaigners to discuss the future of Arthur Hill Pool.


6 October 2016

Dear XXXX

Thank you for your reply, which includes a copy of your letter to Cllr Gittings.

First, it’s very disappointing to read that Cllr Gittings hasn’t responded to your request for an urgent meeting. This does seem the most sensible way for constructive engagement between RBC and local residents and to ensure all options regarding the pool’s future can be explored. I agree completely that for Cllr Gittings to ignore the request to consider all feasible options would indeed be unforgivable in the circumstances, and I have appealed to him directly to meet with you without further delay (see below). I will let you know if I receive a reply.

Secondly, I understand that there is to be a public meeting this evening at The Warehouse from 19:30. Unfortunately, prior diary commitments prevent me from attending, although if anything changes, I will do my best to pop in. If I’m not able to join you not, I’d be happy for you to convey to attendees my position, as set out in my letter to your of 26 September and my open letter to Cllr Gittings of the same date, published on my website: www.robwilsonmp.com/news/rob-calls-rbc-defer-decision-close-arthur-hill-pool

Please continue to keep me fully informed about any new developments and I will make sure to do likewise.

Yours sincerely

ROB WILSON MP
Member of Parliament for Reading Eas




Dear Cllr Gittings

Further to my letter of 26 September, I am writing to you again regarding Arthur Hill Swimming Pool.

As you know, the plans to close the facility have proved controversial with local residents, who, at the last count, have collected over 1,600 signatures opposing Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) proposal. As expressed in my previous letter, residents seem most concerned that the plans have not been adequately thought through, especially with respect to the provision of alternative facilities both in the interim and long-term.

I have been contacted by campaigners who are pushing for RBC to consider alternatives to closing the swimming pool. I understand that they have already written to you personally with a view to arranging an urgent meeting, but are yet to receive a reply.

This presents an important opportunity to engage directly with residents, listen to the serious concerns that have been raised and work together to ensure all options are exhausted through constructive dialogue. This is an approach that should be supported by RBC.

I hope that you will accept this offer to meet with residents at your earliest convenience and look forward to receiving a reply confirming that this will indeed be the case.

Yours sincerely

ROB WILSON MP
Member of Parliament for Reading East