MADAM, We have just been told that the pool in Leominster is closed and likely to remain so. Apparently this is either on health and safety grounds or because the boiler has failed again.

My two children are both part way through pre paid courses that lead to certification.

The teaching of swimming in Leominster has been of the very highest calibre and I cannot extend sufficient thanks to the totally dedicated and valuable staff at Syndonia. It appears unlikely many of these professional swimming teachers will be relocated and the loss to North Herefordshire is immense.

We will now take our children to Ludlow for lessons and hence that is where we shall do our shopping - which will be a further loss to Leominster.

It does strike me that whichever the reason for the pool's closure Herefordshire Council could have ensured its continued operation for a very modest sum, but then again the imminent discussions with Sportlot regarding a replacement pool will be strengthened by the complete lack of pool.

Are my children being used as pawns?

Keith Smith,

Kings House,

Pembridge.