Perhaps I should only respond to Devon once he or she comes out from behind the cloak of anonymity which I have always avoided.

I am pleased with the outcome of the listing request which I made. In this I am joined by 1,400 supporters (and rising). Lewisham Council managed to consult 600 people.

I asked English Heritage if they would consider listing the building. As the national experts, decided to do so. Whatever the imperfections of this system it cuts both ways: they didn't list the pools the last two times. Consultation is not part of this process. But then did the Mayor consult about his decision to demolish Louise House in the first place?

I do not want to cause delay. But a pause is preferable to a really bad decision. Lewisham Council have mothballed both buildings for over two years in any case. The Options presented to the public were merely concepts and could be reworked quickly. The more significant cause of delay will be the collapse of the Counicl's funding model based on new housing as a result of which the scheme will need to be rethought anyway.

Grade II listed buildings can be altered internally without difficulty. External alterations can be made too with consent. In a case where the long term future of the building is more likely to be served by agreeing to an external alteration, EH normally take a pretty relaxed view.

Devon's suggestion that our signatures have been obtained improperly is patronising to local people, smacks of desperation and is beneath contempt.

Perhaps a short holiday in the West Country is called for?

At one time I lived in Southwark. It is very interesting to note this piece about the Camberwell Baths from the South London press:

"Plans for the regeneration of the dilapidated swimming pool will be on display next week. Three companies have stepped forward with proposals to take over the Camberwell Baths: English National Ballet, Fusion - which currently runs the pools - and architectural firm Ash Sakula...A total of 90 companies expressed an interest in the Grade 2 listed Victorian baths resulting in 7 submissions from which the final 3 were chosen."

Seems like Southwark are cleverer at this old pools and what do do with them business than Lewisham!