THE fate of the old Hayes swimming pool hangs in the balance: Hillingdon Council has failed to find a bidder for the site.
Six months after the land was offered for housing, no interested parties have come forward and it has now been taken off the market while the council decides what to do with it.
The Botwell Lane pool closed last June when Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre opened opposite.
Now, despite being boarded up and behind locked gates, vandals and thieves have turned the site into an eyesore.
Last November the council drew up plans and granted permission for up to 72 flats to be built, subject to a developer coming forward and agreeing to pay nearly £300,000 towards local services and amenities and funding highway improvements for the junction of Botwell Lane and Church Road.
Jean Palmer, the council's director of planning, environment, education and community services, said 'no appropriate offers' had been made.
John McDonnell MP (Lab, Hayes and Harlington) said the pool site had been appallingly neglected and added: "I don't understand why the council have let the site deteriorate in this way.
"It has now got to the point where it poses a health and safety risk.
"It is in a prime spot in the town centre and it has just been left to rot. The council need to get on and develop the site.
"In the meantime, part of it could be opened up for community use, and going forward there should be discussions with local people about what happens next."
* What would you like to see there? Email editorialuxbridge@trinity south.co.uk.
