THE Ledbury Reporter (April 9) featured the problems caused by a review of time slots at Ledbury Swimming Pool by Halo Trust, who administer the leisure provision of Herefordshire.

On Thursday, April 8, I chaired a meeting between the chief executive of Halo and the chairman of Ledbury Swimming Club to discuss face to face the problems and, more importantly, to find common ground to enable an equitable solution to be found.

As leisure facilities are the responsibility of Halo Trust, council officers have limited authority to intervene, but in my role as cabinet member for community and social development, I called together the parties concerned and suggested guidelines towards a solution, stressing that the status quo was unacceptable and that a common way forward must be reached.

In the meantime, the parties have agreed not a conduct a war of words through the media.

Ledbury has an excellent swimming club and an expertly run pool by a dedicated staff.

Since the building of the pool, the population of Ledbury has increased considerably and the provision of facilities to cater for all sectors of the public has become an increasingly difficult exercise.

I acknowledge with thanks those who have written to me on this matter and can assure them that I will do everything in my power to broker a satisfactory solution.

I am aware it will not be a remedy that will please everyone but, with the goodwill shown by all parties, a happy conclusion must emerge.

COUN ROY STOCKTON, Walwyn Road, Colwall.