THE writing was clearly on the wall for Skipton's open air swimming pool in the summer of 1952 when it was declared unsatisfactory by the district's health officer.

The open air pool at Moor View Baths, Shortbank Road, could not be regarded as satisfactory, stated the medical officer of Health in his annual report, reported the Craven Herald 70 years ago, on August 1, 1952.

The officer said: "It becomes polluted with dust and mud from the floor, has no filtration plant, and attempts at chlorination are nullified by an inadequate flow through the pool and any sort of mixing system."

The inside pool was however passable. The officer continued: "Although the covered bath has no chlorination plant, regular treatment with chloros and frequent testing has generally shown a satisfactory water when examined for bacteria."

"The provision of a modern swimming bath would be a great asset to the town and district, but it would have to take its place in the building priorities scheme."

Photograph of Moorview Baths is reproduced by kind permission of the Ellwood family, Mrs V. Rowley, and North Yorkshire County Council, Skipton Library www.rowleycollection.co.uk