The Shard

• COUNCILLOR Janet Burgess and GLL London head of service Paul Lister attempt to justify the estimated three years to repair and reopen Highbury Pool, following fire damage, (An update on work at the leisure centre swimming pool, July 26).

The proposed timescale means it will take longer to repair the affected parts of the building than it took to demolish the previous pool and annexe, and build the current pool and gym from scratch.

It may also be worth noting that it only took three years to build the Shard, which on completion in 2012 dominated the London skyline at 96 floors, and was then the tallest building in Europe.

Yet again it’s time for Islington Council to get a grip on its outsourced service providers and contractors.

DAVID BARNES
Highbury Quadrant, N5