Having lived in Bridport as a child, I retain a close association with Bridport and West Bay. I visit frequently and own a caravan at Parkdean, West Bay.

I was dismayed about the threatened closure of the swimming pool.

A friend with connections to Bridport Leisure Centre informed me that it is a charity, owned and operated by Bridport and West Dorset Sports Trust. The trustees give their time voluntarily. Their goal is the provision of sports facilities to the people of Bridport and its environs. It is neither owned nor run by West Dorset District Council.

A group called BACIT raised a substantial sum for the construction of the swimming pool. WDDC agreed to cover the shortfall, provided the trust operated and managed it.

The pool was built and all went well until WDDC was merged into a unitary council. The trust has funding until 2020.

Whilst the leisure centre is viable, the pool is not. Without the financial support of the unitary authority, the pool will cease to be viable and be forced to close.

The campaign to acquire the pool was hard fought. The loss of such an important and popular amenity would be a regressive step.

PENELOPE JAMSON
Buckinghamshire