Pool size matters

SIR – I am writing to clarify the dimensions of the new Westminster Lodge Swimming Pool after Stephen May (Herts Advertiser, December 30) claimed that the water space at the centre was to be reduced. The old Westminster Pool was 33.3m x 12m (six lanes wid

SIR - I am writing to clarify the dimensions of the new Westminster Lodge Swimming Pool after Stephen May (Herts Advertiser, December 30) claimed that the water space at the centre was to be reduced.

The old Westminster Pool was 33.3m x 12m (six lanes wide) a total area of 399.6sq m. The new pool is 25m x 17m (eight lanes wide) making a total area of 425 square metres. The main pool is therefore another 25.4sq m bigger or 6.45 per cent.

The old learner/teaching pool was 12m x 8m (96sq m). The new one will be 17m x 10m (170sq m) making it 74sq m larger than the previous pool. This will be a 77 per cent increase in the water space.

The new centre will also contain a "water confidence area" with a beach area, water spouts, shallow pools, etc., for babies and toddlers to experience playing in water.

Overall, if you do not include the confidence water, the new Westminster Lodge will have 20 per cent more water space than the previous centre.

If you include the water confidence area in the calculation, the increase in water space is 30 per cent.

CLLR SHEILA BURTON

Portfolio Holder for Sport and Healthy Living

St Albans District Council