Please support the idea of converting part of the swimming pool at Gloucester Park, Basildon, into an art gallery when it becomes defunct.

Basildon is desperate to have an art gallery in the town as the 40,000-plus residents who visited the joint Bat and Start gallery in Eastgate last year demonstrated.

A project such as this would put Basildon on a par with other art galleries, especially with those in London where we could hope for future partnerships, further enhancing Basildon's reputation and profile.

It would be silly to knock down a grade two listed building which is such a good example of post modern architecture and has architectural merit in itself with such useful space and in an advantageous position.

The swimming pool would mean that we could have studios of all different kinds, rooms in which to meet and discuss, perform and create.

All it needs is a little insight, and commitment.

Susan Randle
Secretary - Support Through Art
Sparrows Herne
Basildon