By reference to the article in Portishead Times on January 17, I believe that every possible avenue should be explored to try to retain this unique facility not only as a pool but also for other uses. It should be feasible, at not great cost, to empty t

By reference to the article in Portishead Times on January 17, I believe that every possible avenue should be explored to try to retain this unique facility not only as a pool but also for other uses. It should be feasible, at not great cost, to empty the pool, use removable flooring and walls and perhaps a marquee, to accommodate, for example, the following uses at various times of the year: * skateboarding * an ice rink * concerts: all genres (these could perhaps be revenue generators) * gymnastics displays * basketball * 'indoor' soccer * plays and musicals * part of the annual carnival? * a restaurant * a temporary licence pub Of course customers in one way or another would have to pay to enjoy some at least of these attractions. These are just suggestions that spring to mind and no doubt each project would bring its own problems as well as opportunities. However, surely with some imagination the user base and usage season can be significantly broadened so as to massively reduce the average cost per user and thereby justify the total expense ? Peter O'Duffy - Woodhill Road, Portishead