Swimming pool users hit out at relocation plan

Jun 18 2009 By Paloma Kubiak

Plans to demolish a community centre and swimming pool in Acton would 'rip the heart out of the community' say objectors.

Ambitious proposals to regenerate Acton Town would see The Priory Community Centre knocked down and re-built in one of two locations within the next five years.

But users have reacted angrily to the plans, among them Mandie Smith, 43, of Gloucester Road, who is a child minder at the centre.

She said there is nothing wrong with the building structurally, adding: "The Priory needs a new boiler and some patch up work and that's all.

"The buildings a little run down as Acton has always played second best to Ealing, but that's no reason to knock down a building which has stood strong throughout wars.

"Many new buildings last around 25 years before they're classed as unsafe and if the Priory is demolished, the character of Acton will be lost."

The Friends of Acton Baths are also rallying together to fight the plans to rebuild the swimming pool and there is anger over plans to install a 25 metre pool rather than an Olympic 50 metre pool.

Eric Shanes said: "We have fought before to save the baths and we will continue to fight to save the building. The plans put forward won't regenerate the town; it lacks vision and imagination and no-one wants a hotel, supermarket or more shops as many are already standing empty in the high street.

"Many houses in Acton are Victorian or Edwardian and if they can be maintained by residents, then surely the baths, Acton Town Hall, the library and Priory Centre can too."

The regeneration proposals include replacing the two pools at Acton Baths with a 25m pool and learner pool, a new library and priory centre with disabled access and reduced running costs by 2014.

Acton Town Hall is a grade II listed building which could constrain development and the two proposed sites for construction are the Town Hall site and the South Acton Estate (North) site, north of Avenue Road.

Tenants and leaseholders in the South Acton estate have been assured they will be given accommodation within one of the new developments or can be housed within another council run property in the borough.

Councillor David Millican, cabinet member for regeneration and transport said: "This is a vision for Acton to make Acton a better place to live and work by securing investment for the town centre.

"This is a long-term consultation and the second stage of the regeneration process and we hope to receive and take on board a lot more input.

"People told us they wanted an improved swimming pool, more should be made of the town hall and the buildings made far more publicly accessible. There is a real need for a focal point in Acton and many hotels have shown an interest in developing in Acton and we are keen to hear the views of the public."

The consultation ends on Friday June 26 and comments can be sent to Ealing Council, Wembley HA0 4PE or contact the Research and Consultation team on 020 8825 5485 or email research@ealing.gov.uk

Voice of the Gazette - see page 2