Sir – Temple Cowley Pool and Fitness Centre (Council plans for £7m pool on city estate, May 21) is an essential way of bringing the local community together, especially in light of the vast amount of new housing that has been built in the area over the past few years.

It’s a place where people who live and work locally, who might not normally bump into each other, can meet and get healthy. To get rid of it would be like ripping out the heart of the area.

One of the main bones of contention at Temple Cowley has been getting the diving pool operational. I notice that there is no mention of a replacement in the report. How long would the suggested pool with floating floor work? And what would be put in place for the users of the sauna and steam room?

The report mentioned approaching Sport England for funding. They also help to raise money to bring older facilities up to scratch. Why can’t the council contact them to see about upgrading Temple Cowley? Also, British Swimming announced British Gas had become the principal partner in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. They have pledged £15m over the next six years to support swimming and facilities. I honestly think that the council really doesn’t care at all about local people, all it is interested in is selling the land at Temple Cowley for more housing, which in the current economic climate would be an excellent opportunity for a developer to snap up a bargain.

And if the land was sold for development — what would happen to the library and the Silver Band Hall?

Wendy Hayden, Cowley