SIR, I find it appalling that a small town with three rivers is having its swimming pool removed for several years or maybe for ever, if funds disappear into this ridiculously grandiose school building. How will local children have the opportunity to learn to swim for their own safety? What about Key Stages 1 and 2 of the national curriculum where children must be able to swim confidently over 25m. Do parents realise bussing to another pool will take most of a morning or afternoon, so what happens to other learning, plus the huge cost of transport? What about the holidays when children love to use the pool? In hot weather will they instead try a dip in the Monnow and with what consequences? It may not be very grand but our pool is loved and greatly used by many – old and young – for health, exercise and sheer enjoyment.We do not want to lose it! At the very least, build a new pool before the other one is demolished. Monmouth people contributed half for this pool so does not MCC at least owe us that. Wake up parents, do you realise what is happening, as little has been mentioned about the pool in the plans or the press. Fay McGrath (Monmouth)