City pool closures to be probed

Swimmers who use two public pools in Bristol threatened with closure are being given the chance to quiz council officials and local politicians.

A new £22m sports centre planned for Hengrove Park means Bishopsworth and Jubilee pools would both close as part of the council's swimming strategy.

A meeting of the city's Quality of Life Commission on 20 November will hear representations from users.

These can either be made in writing or by attending the meeting at 1400 GMT.

The Conservative councillor for Bishopsworth, Councillor Richard Eddy, who requested the report, had previously warned the council risked undermining its commitment to health promotion and sports provision by "fiercely cutting-back" the number of pools in Bristol.

Mr Eddy said he welcomed the opening of the new pool at Horfield and the prospect of the proposed Hengrove leisure centre but said the planned closures were causing "grave concerns" for people with a real interest in swimming.

"Monday's Quality of Life Scrutiny Commission will provide a forum for councillors and members of the public to quiz senior officers and cabinet politicians over these policies," he said.