Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Haggerston Pool, Hackney
Shoreditch has one of the most socially excluded
communities in the country. This is recognised in being given
pathfinder New Deal for Communities status:
— 33 per cent of households are on
Income Support (21 per cent UK);
— 62 per cent of housing stock is high
rise (19 per cent UK);
— the premature death rate (SMR for
aged 15-64) is 176 (UK 100);
— crime 256 offences are per 1,000
population (UK: 100); and
— only 32 per cent of households own
a car (69 per cent UK).
In an area that does not have much, Haggerston
Pool is one of the few assets available to local people. The pool
is well-loved and valued by Shoreditch people. Built in 1904,
it is a listed building and survived World War II bombing. It
is a flagship project—for example, the pool's weather vane
is the Haggerston SRB logo. But. . . . :
— it was closed for health and safety
reasons in February 2000. Estimated cost to re-open £3-400,000;
— co-incidentally at the same time
as Clissold Pool overspend by at least £10 million;
— this met strong local opposition—Haggerston
Pool Action Group formed; and
— Hackney has now confirmed closure
for financial reasons—both capital and revenue are now not
available.
The community disbenefits include:
— eight schools have removed swimming
from the curriculum;
— the Boat Club has closed its books
because it cannot water-train new members;
— 20 swimming clubs are adversely affected;
— young people have even less to do
at same time as youth provision is being cut back; and
— health suffers as regular and occasional
users can't afford elsewhere.
Strategic disbenefits include:
— Shoreditch is a pathfinder NDC area—closure
runs counter to regeneration investment;
— the pool is also the hub of successful
NOF Health Living Centre bid, thus jeopardising our whole programme
re healthy living;
— business plan prepared in August
2000 for community takeover ignored; and
— new rescue package is being prepared,
but can only work if the audience receptive.
There is a real danger that current asset stripping
by London Borough of Hackney will lose this heritage facility
forever, unless our practical solution is adopted or funding is
made available to re-open.
4 December 2001
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