Madam,

I had the pleasure of attending the inter-schools swimming gala at Aberystwyth Leisure Centre last Wednesday. I say “pleasure” but that was marred by the lack of viewing facilities at the centre.

There must have been at least 100 people crammed onto the little balcony that overlooks the pool. Parents were constantly swapping places when their child was taking part so that they could get a clear view.

I heard mutterings of “I can’t wait to get out of here”, there was a constant juggling of places and with the lack of air up there it was a nightmare, particularly for one mother who was heavily pregnant.

Judging by the number of seats available on that balcony I very much doubt whether it was designed for that number of people. It felt like a major accident waiting to happen.

I have been told that the pools at Carmarthen and Swansea have raised seating all around the pool so that all parents and friends have a clear view and that there is an entrance fee for these events. I am fairly certain that most parents/friends would be very willing to pay a fee if the facilities were improved.

In these times when we hear so much about child obesity and their obsession with computers and mobile phones it is such a pleasure to see the energy and competitiveness of these children. It must be encouraged but I fear that our leisure centre does not come up to the standard it should for these events.

The children had an amazing afternoon but not so the parents.

Yours etc,

N Davies, Glan Rheidol, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth.

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