CAMPAIGNERS have heralded a rescue package for Haslingden Baths and Marl Pits Pool - earning the centres a 12-month reprieve.

But council bosses are warning that an urgent review is needed for the swimming facilities after drawing up proposals to increase the town hall’s grant to Rossendale Leisure Trust.

Town hall staff were besieged with letters and e-mails protesting about the pool proposals, with a 2,900 signature petition and 590 pieces of correspondence received.

One of the key submissions came from Rossendale Rays swimming club, which caters for youngsters with special needs, and Tor View Special School at Haslingden.

Supporters told councillors that closing Marl Pits Pool would leave parents and children with a near-impossible task in finding alternative pool time locally.

Finance chiefs have now recommended using health budgets to fund the majority of the extra £222,000 handout for the trust, on top of the annual grant of £513,000.

Bacup Leisure Hall has also been handed a stay of execution – however it could close in March 2010 if a National Lottery funding bid proves unsuccessful.

The authority has however warned it does not have a “magic wand” and a major review of leisure provisions, including swimming pools, is a key condition of the cash injection.

Council leader Coun Tony Swain said: “This new option gives us time to have a proper debate. Time to work out what is required and where and plan a strategy for the years ahead which will be right for the people of the borough.

“What we don’t have is a bottomless pit of cash or a magic wand. Some tough decisions will still need to be taken but we won’t be imposing these decisions on anyone.”

A Rossendale Leisure Trust spokesman welcomed the financial injection and added: “The trust also welcomes the proposal to carry out a thorough and independent review to identify the long-term needs and priorities for the delivery of leisure, recreation and culture in the borough.”

Mike Sheridan, of the Save Our Pools campaign, said: “This result is a true reflection of the passions which I have felt, being on the steering team of our campaign.”

Mr Sheridan added that the group was willing to work with council officers to safeguard as many pool facilities as possible beyond the current year’s financing.

Coun Catherine Pilling, Liberal Democrat group leader, said she welcomed the re-think on the issue.

She said: “The original plan for closure was based on panic and had been hastily put together, with rational decision-making seemingly paralysed.”