WESTON has a growing population, currently in the region of about 72,000. Weston Swimming Club, according to its website, has 140 active swimmers.

WESTON has a growing population, currently in the region of about 72,000.

Weston Swimming Club, according to its website, has 140 active swimmers.

So how can anyone justify the closure of a pool for a whole weekend for a swimming gala?

If the club wishes to hold these competitions then shouldn't they be held in the evenings or weekdays so the majority of the general public can still use their local facilities when they need them most? I work full time, Monday to Friday, in Bristol. My wife works anti-social shifts so the time available as a family for such activities is precious.

Due to the disappointment my daughter experienced after being turned away from Hutton Moor today (Saturday January 31) we travelled to Parish Wharf at Portishead. Why should I be forced to travel 17 miles to take my young daughter swimming when I have a swimming pool less than three miles from my home?

We are told on TV adverts and in the press that Britain's youth is an obesity timebomb waiting to explode yet I cannot take my family swimming at my local pool at the weekend.

I find it amazing that North Somerset Council and Parkwood Leisure cannot come up with a better solution for the majority of Weston's residents rather than closing the pool to satisfy the needs of Weston Swimming Club, which accounts for less than 0.2 per cent of the local population.

JASON BEAUCHEMIN

Darmead

Locking Castle