The reticence of the Borough Council comes as no surprise to a resident who lives close by the proposed site. The accompanying sketch was made the day after the preliminary excavations were made on Monday July 25th 1960, two months ago.
Since that date no further activities have been noted. It is rumoured that at a depth of four feet the four worthy excavators struck a hard strata containing a seam of glittering particles, a sample of which has been sent for assay.
Whether this is iron pyrites (fools gold) or the "real McCoy" remains to be seen, "Big Jim", the head digger, panned out a fair amount.
Fortunately the planners of the new pool have chosen a site in close proximity to an unlimited supply of water, as there are three large sewers within a radius of 500 yards.
Should the "strike" prove a rich one it has been suggested that the cement to be used for lining the pool should be mixed with a specially imported perfume from Paris worth 10 guineas an ounce.
Another unconfirmed rumour states that the Borough Council are sending a deputation to Ireland with a vie to purchasing all the donkey mares available in order to maintain a supply of asses milk for filling the pool. The White Lion allotments (at rear left on sketch) will probably be turned into a corrall for these. (The most intelligent of these could also be employed as advisers to the Council.)
