To be honest, if we try to combine every desirable object in this exercise, we are likely to end up with nothing. The offer for Forest Hill is already much reduced as a result of the listing of Louise House, and the fact that no single view emerged on what was required on this site. The Mayor's decision to proceed with this at all was taken against officer assessments of local need, and in response to local feeling (what politicians are for). This does not mean that this is an infinitely valuable development that will go ahead whatever obstacles are placed (knowingly or unknowingly) in its path. The Mayor's proposal of Willow Way represents an outbreak of commonsense which is much needed.

I think we need to nip one or two statements in the bud before they grow legs:

1. There are probably more people living close to the Willow Way site than to Forest Hill pools. (Walk up Wells Park Road if you don't believe me.)

2. Willow Way is hardly central Sydenham. It is about half a mile from Sydenham Road, and perhaps two miles from the Bridge. For practical purposes, it serves much the same catchment area as the existing pools site.