The first big step to provide a new swimming pool for Bridgwater was taken on Thursday February 4th 2010. Somerset County Council gave its backing to a plan that will provide a new pool at Chilton Trinity. I will be campaigning hard to bring forward the Building Schools for the Future programme so that work on the new pool can be started as quickly as possible.

But it is absolutely vital to get the plans right. What people are telling me is that Bridgwater needs a first class swimming facility which is open to all and suits every need. The Splash was a wonderful local facility. I was heartbroken to see it go. I argued long and loud for its retention. I believe that with the benefit of hindsight Sedgemoor District Council will one day agree that closing our pool so fast was an error of judgement.

• Could I have prevented the closure? No. An MP can complain (and I did) but a Council facility is the responsibility of the Council.
• Did I do nothing? Far from it. I collected 2000 names and presented them to Councillors.
• Was I simply backing my Council "chums"? Come off it! Anyone who knows me will confirm that I fought hard.

It is now time to look to the future and fight for the possible. I could heap equal blame on the Government for failing to enact its promise that nowhere in England would be more than a few miles from a public pool. Sadly that "promise" was only a piece of advice. But the blame game will not help us make progress. The future is a paper plan for Chilton Trinity that must and will come about. It needs to be the very best plan. There is still time to influence the planners, alter the blue-print and make lasting improvements. So please tell me what kind of a pool you would like to see.

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The worst impact of the closure of the Splash on schools has already been addressed. School swimming lessons and swimming club events are now held at Quantock Lodge. Disabled swimmers are being taught at Brainwave's pool. These are, however, only temporary solutions.

I am hopeful that work on the new site can begin soon. The sooner the better.

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• http://www.saveoursplash.co.uk/
• http://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6284