Under the surface - part III

Under the surface - part III
Think of this like an iceberg - we can see some of whats there, but aren't sure what size it is underneath!

Following the decision to bring forward the closure of LWW on 22 Dec, our minds turned to what might be there if it was sold and no longer a leisure pool.

We asked to see “all correspondence between CEC and Tesco (or a party acting on Tesco’s behalf) regarding the Leith Waterworld site, either received or sent over the last year (1 December 2010 – 22 December 2010).  We were interested to receive the following response

In this instance, the Council is applying Commercial Interests and the Economy,Section 33 (1) (b) disclosure would (or would be likely to) prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person or organisations.We believe that it would significantly harm and substantially prejudice the company concerned with regard to any future tenders they pursue"

Not a refusal on the basis that there isn't any correspondence but a refusal that it might prejudice commercial interests - We have, of course requested a review of this, citing public interest, which as the Scottish Information Commissioner notes, over-rides this exemption.

FOI Re Tescos

SOB story

The Homeless Itinerant Bathing Society (Edinburgh Branch) continues to gather apace.  This Sunday the Society will be marking our third week in existance with a brave foray across town to... Dalry Baths!  We have set the time at a later 10.30am to allow for members wrestling with the bus timetables and the potential lag as the bus negiotates this weeks route...

As always, all welcome!  Photo at the front at 10.30am...

Dalry Baths faced the axe from Edinburgh Leisure in 2010, but with a spirited campaign entitled SOB (Save our Baths) the local cmmunity gathered thousands of signatures in opposition and saved the pool!  Lots of useful info on their website.  Well done all!...

In an interesting footnote - the public petition was handed in by Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack.  The Council refused to accept it, instead pointing Ms Boyack to Edinburgh Leisure - amazingly Ms Boyack accepted this chicanery...

In the meantime here's Glenogle's report card from last week - full pdf is available here

The Homeless Itinerant Bathing Society (Edinburgh Branch) will this week, be visiting the recently refurbished Glenogle Baths in Stockbridge, which according to Edinburgh Leisure's website is "something of a rare breed - a hark back to Victorian baths, but with a modern twist."

Glenogle was the subject of a well supported community campaign, which put pressure on the Council to refurbish the baths as originally promised.  Whilst it came out that plans were being mooted the the pool could be 'redeveloped', the energy and commitment of the campaigners ensured that the baths were kept as a public amenity.  Following a £5.7 million refurbishment, the pool re-opened in July 2010.

The Homeless Itinerant Bathing Society (Edinburgh Branch) is open to everyone - just come along at 10am on Sunday 22 January morning for a photo at the frontdoor! The shy and latesleeping are welcome to join us after...