Fears that a town's swimming pool is set to close under cost-cutting measures have been strongly denied.

Residents in Brightlingsea are concerned they are about to lose their outdoor pool and are gearing up to fight any move to shut it down.

More than 1,000 have signed petitions but the idea was rejected by Tendring councillors last night (Tuesday).

Darren Barrenger (Lab, Brightlingsea West) called on colleagues to halt investigations into the future of the pool.

"If there is no question of the pool being closed let's make a clear statement about that now by removing it from the plan," he said. "If it is the case then let's do it for the people of Brightlingsea."

Mr Barrenger said he became concerned when there had been no discussion over the future of the outdoor pool - which is owned by the council - in talks over leisure facilities.

However when the final plan was produced it was identified along with other facilities such as the Princes and West Cliff Theatres in Clacton to be looked at further.

Councillors are to consider three options. The first is to retain it, the second to close it and the third to make changes at the site.

Mr Barrenger said the pool was well-used and would cost £59,000 to maintain over the next ten years.

"We will spend more than that on Dovercourt pool in the next year alone," he added.

Lawrie Payne (Lab, Harwich East) said he believed it was all part of a move to cut costs on leisure facilities.

While councillors refused to hold up the action plan by referring the matter back, they denied the pool was for the axe.

Terry Allen said the fact that it cost the council £5.80 per person to use the facility compared to £1.07 at other pools in Tendring meant it had to be looked at under best value.

However Bryan Johnston (Con, Elmstead) added that did not mean closure.

"I will be the first up there with Darren Barrenger to keep Brightlingsea pool open," he said.

"It is a very good asset appreciated by the people of Brightlingsea."

And Peter Patrick (Ind, Brightlingsea East) added: "I will join you in the battle to save the pool but I will wait until when, and if, war has been declared."

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.