The club is thought to be a pillar of the community, donating large sums to organisations. However, in relation to a large body of its members, it has been found wanting.

I, along with a considerable body of these members, attend the facility three or four times a week, as do a considerable number of children, 650 per week to be precise.

This group of people know the importance of exercise in maintaining their health. In doing so they are not a drain on the already overburdened health system.

So where will this body of people go now? The already over-populated Orange Aquatic Centre? The suggestion is ludicrous. That facility has problems with its existing clientele, it couldn't possibly cope with such an influx.

The club's pool is old, no doubt about that. However, maintenance, apart from superficial cleaning and weekly upkeep, has been minimal and sporadic.

It is because of this lax approach to full maintenance that we are now facing this problem.

The solution? Perhaps the club could get their own house in order this year and decline from donating to the outer community. Increase club fees and pool fees? I'm sure that a solution could be found.

Let the slogan be: 'Renovate, don't Detonate'.

AS a long-time member of Orange Ex-Services' Club I request the move to demolish the swimming pool be given serious second thought and should not be proceeded with.

This pool was where my grandchildren learned to swim at well attended learn-to-swim classes and where many people with permanent and also temporary disabilities are able to go to enjoy a swim that helps many recover and others to simply enjoy themselves in pleasant surroundings.

POLL: Have your say ...

Please continue to offer this valuable service facility for members and visitors alike to enjoy and benefit from besides golf and bowls. We do not want this facility to be an 'ex-service'.

I also think it would be a bad move for our council to get involved with this as was suggested.

I NOTE the 50-metre outdoor pool at the Orange Aquatic Centre will be closed to the residents and ratepayers of Orange this weekend, due to the venue hosting a water polo festival.

I fully understand the importance of hosting events such as this and the economic benefit it brings to our city, however a co-exist strategy needs to be developed to enable the residents and ratepayers of Orange to utilise what they contribute to and not be excluded.

Last year when an indoor swimming meet was held, the public were able to access the facility early in the morning before the meet was held. Why can't the same occur? Surely the water polo festival isn't running from 5.30am to 7pm Saturday and 8am to 7pm Sunday?

With the recent closure of the pool at the Orange Ex-Services' Club, and the expectation that the Orange Aquatic Centre will increase its patronage, issues like this are going to occur more often. A co-exist strategy needs to be developed to enable all parties to utilise our great facility.