Forest Hill Pools

[sparticus]

Forest Hill Pools are looking increasingly neglected, with the external access litter-strewn and internally paint flaking off the ceiling in the reception area, the changing rooms and loos on the first floor closed with no sign of the promised “upgrading” works and the ground floor changing rooms and pool surrounds distinctly sticky. The complex is operated by a private contractor. Is this another example of an outsourced service providing a deteriorating return for the public?

[John H]

Well it is marginally better than a plastic lined puddle providing death trap circumstances and entirely unsupervised.

Lewisham should hang its head in shame. It once boasted an Olympic sized swimming pool.

The problem is that swimming pools are subject to strict regulations and Lewisham thought it too expensive to save lives.

[JRW]

Lewisham locked us into a 15 year contract in 2011 with Fusion. They are a charity, and woefully miscalculated their bid, so are operating at a loss on this contract. Lewisham keep fining Fusion for being rubbish, which puts them in an even worse position. Meanwhile, councillors tetch loudly, but don't take action to withdraw the contract. Just another day at Kafka Towers.....

[Holaquease]

Well it is marginally better than a plastic lined puddle providing death trap circumstances and entirely unsupervised.

Lewisham should hang its head in shame. It once boasted an Olympic sized swimming pool.

The problem is that swimming pools are subject to strict regulations and Lewisham thought it too expensive to save lives.

Yawn

[mosy]

John H is right - that we the public are entitled to facilities that are safe and clean and kept in good condition. It is shameful and sparticus is right to draw it to our attention.

I'm not a lawyer but I don't see why a contract can't be terminated if there has been a significant breach of its provisions.

Does anyone know if the Forest Hill community are mounting a revolt? They might be especially as there's the school close by. If so, we Sydenhamites could strengthen their number.

[JRW]

The problem seems to be that if the contract is cancelled, the council doesn't have the capacity to take the sports centre management in house, and can't find another company to contract at the same price. Whatever they decide on is going to be expensive, so as usual, Lewisham Council is dithering. Sigh.

[alywin]

Ah yes, the ages(decades?)-old problem associated with contracting-out: bodies quote low to try and secure the contract, and then once it starts they realise they can't actually operate/pay staff a living wage/pay for decent staff etc. at that level I can't help wondering if we'd be in a worse situation if we'd never started this contracting-out business.

[KPR]

It’s still in better shape than the Bridge, which is getting seriously delapidated...austerity has gone far enough methinks.