FORMER Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has waded into the row over the closure of Mercer Hall swimming pool in Great Harwood.

The ex-Labour minister has urged the council to think again on the proposal.

Great Harwood born and raised Mr Pope, MP from 1992 to 2010, spoke out on Twitter after one of the town's Labour councillors last week made a last-ditch plea on the issue.

Overton ward's Cllr Colin McKenzie told Hyndburn borough's Full Council meeting that Great Harwood residents felt ‘betrayed’ by the decision to take way its swimming pool.

He as he urged Hyndburn Council to reverse their decision to reject three alternative sites for the pool.

He said the decision to move the pool to the proposed new sports village at Wilson Playing Field in Clayton-le-Moors after the closure of the one at Mercer Hall was too far for residents to travel.

Cllr McKenzie urged borough bosses look again at three alternative sites in Great Harwood - Windsor Road Recreation Ground, land at Alan Ramsbottom Way and the former gas works site on Balfour Street.

Mr Pope tweeted: "This is a very bad decision.

"Like thousands of people from Great Harwood I learnt to swim here.

"I do hope Hyndburn Council think again."

Overton ward's other Labour councillor Scott Brerton tweeted: "Your Great Harwood Labour councillors will not give up the fight to retain swimming facilities in Great Harwood."

Council leader Miles Parkinson told Thursday's meeting: "It would cost too much to repair the pool at Mercer Hall. We are looking at alternative uses for the building.”

Mr Pope told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Mercer Hall is a much loved institution. Hyndburn Council should review this decision. I hope they think again."