WE ALL understand that North Somerset Council would never have negotiated a deal with any private developer for a complex the size and mass

WE ALL understand that North Somerset Council would never have negotiated a deal with any private developer for a complex the size and mass of the Lifestation on the beach, had that developer not agreed to include a swimming pool free of charge to the council tax payers of North Somerset. On a purely financial basis that makes some sort of sense. However, the accomplished Mr Boot then pressed our council into conceding that the life of the pool should be guaranteed for only 20 years, just 15 per cent of the 125 year lease. Why was this? Did they expect tourists to stop coming? Were people going to be too obese to swim?And worse still, within those 20 years it was conceded that should the pool prove, at any time, not to be financially viable and should an alternative operator not be forthcoming, then the pool area would be closed. But fear not, good folks, our clever council have thought of that eventuality and have negotiated a 'step in' clause which gives them the right to take over the running of the pool, no doubt on Mr Boot's (or his successor's) commercial terms. Wait a minute! Wasn't this precious site virtually given away so we could have a cost free pool? And since we know that all council run pools haemorrhage money, for how long, if at all, would our council wish us to carry this burden? How long would it be before our council went cap in hand to Mr Boot to negotiate a change of use for the pool area - a casino, perhaps, or a car showroom? I am sure Mr Boot understands you get nothing for nothing. It is a shame North Somerset Council hasn't been so astute. Full marks Mr Boot! Who saw who coming?FRIENDS OF OUR TROPICANA