I was wondering if anybody with any influence over the policy makers at Worthing Borough Council would like to get involved with trying to effect a change of heart regarding the closure and destruction of the children's paddling pool in Brooklands Park.

This little pool has been a central feature of this park for many years, enjoyed free of charge by more than one generation and now it is to be removed by face-less, short-sighted, council bureaucrats more interested in budgets than the interests of the parks' many patrons.

The irony is Brooklands Park is the reason many people travel to the area but the council appears determined to remove that reason, whether by accident or design.

Reasons given include vandalism, pest infestation, public health and even concerns over public safety.

None of these "reasons" would appear to stand close scrutiny as public safety and health are at far greater risk from many of the activities Worthing permits.

The simple truth is these other attractions make money, whereas the children's pool is seen as a cost.

Unfortunately, the decision-makers lose sight of the fact people who travel into the area to enjoy these free facilities bring with them the less tangible benefits of tourism.

If this decision can be publicised sufficiently to cause an outcry, I hope the council can be forced into a change of heart.

I am even prepared to manage this park at half the salary of the present incumbent and use the money saved to protect local facilities for the public.

Let's have public servants serving the public for a change.

-Ian Bateman, Sompting