No money

Re council threats of pool and community hall closures. The idea of using Portishead's open air pool for other activities all year round is not new to residents in the town but in the past when discussions have taken place to question the feasibility of an automatic roof, so that the pool can be used during the winter months for different activities, North Somerset Council claimed there was no money available. Every year we learn that facilities used by rate paying residents are being held to ransom by the district council with scare stories of possible closures.I am incredulous that Weston-super-Mare councillor Andy Wright is now saying: "I can't imagine it would cost a lot of money to put a different floor in which could be used for skateboarding or even an ice rink". What is the current obsession with a new skateboard park when we already have one with plans for a second? Why does he also think there is money now available for a project like an ice rink when North Somerset is claiming there is barely sufficient funds for road repairs, traffic flow improvements, the much needed youth centre and even the new school in the village quarter. Last time the pool and other community buildings were at threat, there was a public outcry. The one thing Portishead residents can be sure of is that each time our services are jeopardised, particularly close to elections, publicity seeking councillors come out of the woodwork but little is ever achieved.Councillors, please do not make empty suggestions or promises unless you can back up ideas with evidence that funding is available. In the meantime, do not dispirit us with threats to close our open air pool which is used by young and old alike - residents will fight all closures with vigour!Annette Hennessy - Albert Road, Portishead