Warm words can thaw cool reception

A few lengths of the bathing pools in freezing waters in February while the sleet angles in from the Little Russel is not everybody’s cup of tea.

Yet devotees have come to love the physical and mental benefits of a 7C jolt to the system. Nothing wakes the mind and body like a sea swim at dawn.

For that reason, hundreds of islanders have a special place in their hearts for the bathing pools at La Vallette.

Convenient and functional, it has bonded a community of hardy swimmers who enjoy the beautiful views across to Castle Cornet and the camaraderie of exercise that has no equal.

They tolerate the Spartan conditions in the unheated changing rooms and see the less-than-salubrious surroundings of the café as all part of a uniquely timeless attraction that has been part of Guernsey lives since 1844.

That passion, history and sense of ownership need to be respected.

Volunteers from Vive La Vallette who are offering their time and energy to redesign and revamp the area also deserve respect.

Without their vitality, the dilapidated building would continue to rot away as the States does what it does best – procrastinate.

Instead, we have a bold plan for redevelopment with ideas ranging from yoga classes and children’s parties to corporate events and performance arts.

Planning permission and the little matter of £1.5m. will transform the café and changing rooms.

This week’s packed meeting at Les Cotils was not without friction, however.

The swimmers wondered where their kitchen had gone. A cup of hot tea and something sweet to eat can be urgently required when hypothermia is setting in.

Others questioned how the new activities might flourish when all the nearby parking spaces have been given over to office commuters.

Neither party should be discouraged. There is enthusiasm on all sides for this much-needed development. With open minds and ears a compromise that marries the best traditions of the swimmers with the fresh ideas of the volunteers must be within reach.