Whilst I respect all the passion and energy going into petitions and what not,the problem I still have, is , re-reading the original Council report to Cabinet, whilst there are so many questions begging about the logic and (lack of ) regeneration of Forest Hill, Option 2 only offers a review in 2012 whereas Option 3 appears to offer certainty now. So as I see it, its either;

a) Butter today i.e Willow Way or
b) Potentially jam tomorrow if the Council feels like it, if a number of other factors happen to coincide making it look like a good idea, and if they have the money.( Ie current site).

In option 2, there is therefore a significant risk that the pools may not be delivered at all, or for many years. That is quite a risk to take- don't you think?
If we want certainty of a pool, Option 3 appears to be the best choice for ensuring delivery. Its not going to be an easy ride, but at least we have a reasonable certainty of having a pool somewhere nearby. It will also hopefully widen peoples horizons to at least the end of Dartmouth Road which cannot be a bad thing? At least everyone will know where the police station is and perhaps use some of the shops down there. Presumably all of those people walking from the FH town centre to WW for a swim will also be passing the same parade of shops opposite the current site? So how will resiting the pool at WW necessarily reduce footfall and potential shopping along Dartmouth Road?

The Council is on the brink of announcing a formal consultation exercise on the two options. Noble as it is, I fear that this petition will serve to confuse people, especially as they are likely to respond with their gut reaction rather than a more analytical and informed one.

Of course, we all want a local pool, and we all want a vibrant town centre and few people are going to sign something saying otherwise. Believe me, having lived here for 24 years next month, and having no plans to move for another 10 at least, I really do want both of these things, but I feel that to delay the pool decision to 2012 is far too much of a gamble. The will for a pool is here now, it may not be tomorrow. The regeneration of FH Town Centre is a different matter and not necessarily uniquely bound up with the existing pool site.