Reinstate Pump Rooms as a spa

Last week you reported that The Lonely Planet had not included Leamington in their guide to English towns. I would agree this is a shame, but in all reality compared with neighbouring towns we have little by way of historical interest to advertise to tourists.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th May 2011, 15:58 BST

Leamington is a Regency town owing its existence to the Pump Rooms, for which it was granted its Royal Patronage as a spa town in 1838. Some 20 or so years ago, when the NHS withdrew physiotherapy services there, an attempt was made to preserve the Pump Rooms as a functioning spa, but unfortunately the council at that time would not help in the funding. The Pump Rooms themselves are now a library and an information centre, incurring considerable costs to the council. In light of the loss of it’s main historical claim, I am not surprised that the town is more often referred to solely as Leamington rather than Royal Leamington Spa. May I suggest the present council revisit the possibility of reinstating the Pump Rooms as a spa, thereby honourably retaining its patronage and providing something other than shopping to attract the tourists. - M.A.L.Tansey, via email.

Leamington NHS