When I read that the new swimming pool at Darwen leisure centre was not to be an Olympic size ( LET, August 10) I thought it was a backward step especially considering the government want people to adopt healthy lifestyles.

If they have a 50 metre pool, people don't have to swim its full length but those who can will swim the full length.

This way the pool can cater for everybody,

CHARLOTTE ATKINSON (11-years-old)

Moorthorpe Close, Darwen