The fact that 29 pools, leisure centres and gyms have closed in the past year due to the energy crisis is heartbreaking. Sean Ingle (Cold swimming pools and youth clubs closing – tale of two sporting Britains shames us all, 27 February) says the closures are a national tragedy and I agree. He is right that exercise hubs are as fundamental to mental and physical health as GP surgeries.

READ RELATED: A home help for eight days after giving birth? Why Dutch maternity care is the envy of the world

I never dreamed that pools would be closing because we can’t afford to heat them. Swimming is a sport for everyone, and its health benefits are transformative. Leisure centres need more support to deal with the energy crisis.
Duncan Goodhew
President, Swimathon