I SPOKE recently to a grandad who spent much time this summer with a little boy at the paddling pool in Happy Mount Park - but knew nothing about any survey of opinions.

In fact I cannot find anyone who was asked and tend to believe the survey is part of a fairy tale thought up by the city council to cover a previously negotiated contract already signed, sealed and delivered.

Otherwise how could a starting date for the work have been so quickly arranged - before final approval.

Being of a tolerant nature I don't wish to accuse anyone of being untruthful but this is not the first time it has caused my hackles to rise.

I do not 'air ill-informed utterances' but use the evidence collected by my own eyes and ears to form my opinion. Perhaps if people were told in advance of the hopes and dreams of the council they could voice their opinions before decisions were thrust upon them.

The finances of the scheme also seem to be a little confusing and I and others would like to see them clarified. How comes it costs more to maintain a cold-water pool than a heated shower-bath, for starters?

There is also the question of changing facilities for the older children who are now more likely to be attracted to the showers. 'Skinny dipping' is not looked on as a pastime for anyone over the age of three years!

Also, United Utilities won't take kindly to the wastage of water, or is there to be an expensive re-cycling system in continuous use?

If we can't prevent the scheme going ahead, at least it should be delayed until all the objections are answered and problems solved.

T. Goodwin, Westgate.