A NATIONAL company looking to develop health facilities in Rochdale could be the saviour of Whitworth Pool.

At the corporate policy committee, Rossendale councillors decided not to invest £80,000 to enable the facility to be brought up to minimum health and safety standards but it was agreed to make every effort to seek funding and retain a leisure facility in the town.

The pool needs repairs to its plant and also work on the building which has been estimated at £400,000.

Leisure chairman Coun Neil Smith said: "We have asked Whitworth Town Council to see if they have any funds to help save the pool.

"There is a certain amount of commercial interest and there is a company which is looking for a site in the Rochdale area and require a pool, fitness suite, sauna and spa.

"Whitworth may well be a site which proves of interest to . With that in mind, the matter should be referred to the market testing sub committee."

At the leisure and economic development committee, the Mayor, Coun Jimmy Grogan, handed in a petition and personal letters from 40 children at St John and St Michael's School, Shawforth, an additional petition with 28 names on was reported to the meeting and council leader Coun John Holt said he had received eight or nine letters.

Coun Terry Bolton said he was disappointed the council had not agreed to fund the essential repairs.

"It is vital that we have a pool in Whitworth, especially and until the situation regarding the Bacup Pool is clarified," he added.

A decision on the pool will be made at full council on December 19.