The new swimming pool at Garons Sports Centre, Southend, does not have steps into the pool as the pool at Warriors does.

Without any steps, it will be difficult for the elderly, disabled and overweight to use the pool.

A lot of our money has been spent on building first-class diving facilities which will be used by a very small percentage of the local population, but a large number of the users will not be able to use the pool without the steps.

Surely the elderly, disabled and overweight are among the population who really need to swim and keep as healthy as possible.

I have been told there will be a hoist available, but how undignified this will be.

As I have arthritis, I really need to swim and none of the other public swimming pools in the area have steps, except for Warriors which is now closing.

What a wonderful opportunity is being squandered.

Pat Astle
Rayleigh Road
Leigh