Sir - I must challenge the unnecessary inaccuracies in Cllr Gregson's recent letter.

He suggests galas would prevent casual swimmers from using the pool. Galas are held when the pool would otherwise be closed. Eight lanes will enable multiple uses at the same time, actually increasing public access time.

He implies funding of £500,000 for two "extra" lanes. This is a misrepresentation as Council officials produced a thorough and well informed study that shows a difference of £118,000 between six lanes and the eight lane option which officials said is affordable.

Sansome Walk pool was built in 1971 with six 33m lanes. The new pool will have eight 25m lanes. The increase in the main water space planned is 2m², about the size of a large bathtub. I am pleased at least that he did not repeat the error recently stated by his fellow Councillor that a 25m pool is "Olympic" sized as even the most casual observer of Olympic swimming will know this not to be the case.

We exist to promote swimming for everyone not just competitive swimmers and will continue to work closely with the council to form an aquatic strategy that provides the best possible facilities for everyone.

Simon Richards

Chairman, Worcester Swimming Club