Save our pool!

Councillor Eileen Entwistle, chairman of the council's leisure committee, said claims that Daisyfield Pools and Shadsworth Leisure Centre are closing this summer are false.

Swimmers who use the Daisyfield Pools are already circulating a petition to stop the "closure" - and calling on other users to follow suit.

But Coun Entwistle said: "I don't know who is spreading these rumours that Daisyfield Pools and Shadsworth Leisure Centre are to be closed down but they are not true.

"All our leisure staff have been given newsletters which explain how the council is preparing for unitary status, including proposals for the next budget. It explains that we are looking at the best method of carrying out expenditure cuts, but I want to make it clear now that there are no plans whatsoever to close these services."

But campaigners are treating Coun Entwistle's reassurances with caution and plan to continue their petitioning.

Swimmer Olive Thomas, of Brownhill, said: "If what Coun Entwistle says is true, it is great news for the many people who use the pools.

"But we were told of the closure by a member of the pool staff and so we can't help wondering if there is an element of truth to it."

The petition, organised by fellow swimmer Angela Fletcher, reads: "It has come to my attention that Blackburn with Darwen Council are seriously considering closing Daisyfield Pool due to cutbacks.

"I think this is unacceptable and hope you agree. The pool is a well used facility by all age groups."

Angela, of Feniscowles, added: "We will be continuing to petition the council because we want to ensure that the pool is not closed - whether they plan to shut it now or in the future. We have been collecting the names of everyone who has used the pool this week, and making a note of why they use it, and putting them on the petition. This should prove how necessary it is."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.