I WAS very pleased to see Councillor Peter Thornton (Letters, February 9, ‘Pool would not be viable’) bring reason and hard facts to the ongoing debate about Grange swimming pool.

Most of the remaining outdoor pools in this country are in the warmer south, where they also have a longer summer season and a larger population.

I used to work at the magnificent open-air pool, the Super Swimming Stadium in Morecambe (the other side of the bay) and knew well the costs and risks involved in keeping that open. Yes, it eventually closed due to structural problems but it was not financially viable or even that popular in its later years.

There may be a resurgence of interest in outdoor swimming but it is only pursued by a small minority. If anyone wants to, they can get cold and wet and get plenty of exercise by walking along Grange promenade most days of the year.

Reason will prevail.

Roger Hartley

Windermere