I AM delighted to see in the Echo today (August 10) local media businessman Josh Simons launch a survey, at swimbournemouth.co.uk, to sound out views for a central swimming pool on the Imax land at Pier Approach.

Following many letters of appeal in the Echo in the past months to get back a central pool at Pier Approach, I did petition Cllr Beesley and councillors myself – and not for the first time – on this issue of the return of a central pool.

His reply was in essence if a "specific funded and thoroughly assessed business plan" can be put forward council will give this consideration. On my interpretation, use of the Imax land might be re-assessed

To that end the way forward I believe is with crowdfunding. Brighton raised £464,000 by crowdfunding for a project in their town, council then adding £1million from their resources.

The need now is then I believe to launch crowdfunding for a new Bournemouth pool. And in this respect it should be noted that an outdoor heated lido would be less expensive than an enclosed pool. Sports England suggests £4m capital cost for an enclosed pool.

There are many year-round lidos around the country and many that are combined council, community, and local business supported. If this can be achieved for Bournemouth, all the better a 50 metre Olympic size pool, that will surely be a huge flagship boost for our amalgamated towns.

JEFF WILLIAMS, Jubilee Road, Parkstone