I SHOULD like to know who the user representatives are that have been consulted on the proposed closure of the early morning swim sessions at Meadowlands.

I have been swimming from 7am to 7.30am on weekdays and from 8am to 8.30am on Sundays for the last 14 years at Meadowlands. I have been a loyal customer but obviously not a valued one.

I have consulted with my fellow swimmers and have not yet found anyone who knew about the 'user group' let alone anyone who was part of it. The views of the early morning swimmers were not sought before this decision was made.

The flyers we have been given talk of  a consultation process. Consultation usually precedes rather than follows, a democratic decision.

The government health agenda promotes 30 minutes of daily exercise. I am a health professional and like to practice what I preach by doing 30 minutes exercise before work. 

As I start at 8.30am in Callington, swimming at Meadowlands in the early morning has fitted the bill.

I know several of my fellow swimmers are also working people. We are also so called 'members' of Leisure Connection. I should have thought it normal procedure to consult members of any club before such drastic changes in the structure of what they joined are made.

Jackie Jones

 Whitchurch Road

Tavistock

I WAS dismayed to learn of the proposal to reduce the morning adult swim sessions at Meadowlands resulting in a later start time of 8am on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Most affected will be those who use the 7am session prior to going to work (this does not apply to myself) who will probably not be able to attend an hour later. Whilst accepting that often numbers are low the early session is generally attended by serious swimmers, some of whom, including myself, attend for health reasons.

I am concerned that a later session may have increased numbers restricting length swimming and some of that increase who will do little swimming but stand around, in the lanes, chatting to friends oblivious of the needs of those who actually want to swim. This has happened on occasion at the 7am session although not recently.

It is also noted that for those needing to travel by car and changing to the proposed times will now be subject to parking fees.

I hope that my views and that of the other Meadowlands users will be taken into account before a final decision on the proposed changes is made.

Brian Donnelly

Oak Road

Bishopsmead