Pool closure decision a 'mistake'

It was a mistake to close the pool at Jersey's Fort Regent leisure centre, a panel of politicians has said.
But the group, which researched the role of the facility in island life, has argued the swimming pool building should now be knocked down.
The scrutiny panel report found the leisure centre was still well used, but people thought of the building as a much-loved but deteriorating site.
The minister, Deputy James Reed, will consider the report before commenting.
The review also called for access to the historic fort to be improved.
The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel looked at what it described as "the barrier to development" at the centre in St Helier.
It found the States did not consider enough the consequences of closing the pool - a mistake it claimed had hampered development across the site and hit the number of visitors.

KEY SCRUTINY PANEL FINDINGS Little consideration was given to pool closure consequences The States is failing to address redevelopment of the pool Expansion of concert and entertainment events is successful Not enough to suggest Fort would make viable conference centre Development of the website has been too slow Poor direction signs leading to and within the site Access to the site is inadequate and needs improvement

The public swimming pool shut in 2003.
Deputy Roy Le Herissier, the chairman of the panel, said: "Like many attractions involved with tourism the fort suffered greatly from the decline in numbers.
"In the minds of many this was exacerbated by the closure of the cable-car link and the closure of the swimming pool.
"It has lost its focus as a place where families could spend a very enjoyable and varied day."
The fort dates back to the early 1800s and its military history has seen it used both as a fortress and garrison.
In 1958 it was sold to The States and in 1967 it was agreed to turn the site into a multi-purpose leisure centre.
'Fundamental mistake'
Deputy Le Herissier said: "Our view is that the key is improved access combined with incremental change on key fronts.
"In today's climate the fort is unlikely to attract vast amounts of States funding."
The scrutiny report makes a series of recommendations which include demolishing the abandoned swimming pool on the Glasis field and restoring the ramparts.
It said: "The panel agrees that closure of the pool was a fundamental mistake, which has had an unquestionably negative impact on footfall at Fort Regent."
Deputy James Reed, Jersey's minister for education, sport and culture, told BBC Jersey he would be considering the report and its findings before making a detailed comment. (from BBC)

Typical States got it wrong again...