SWIMMERS have been flooded with support for a campaign to preserve the future of Daisyfield Pools in Blackburn.

Scores of people have signed a petition to make sure that the pools do not close as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's proposed £500,000 leisure cuts.

Town hall chiefs say no final decision has been taken about the future of Daisyfield, but rumours are circulating that the pools are set to close.

The petition follows a similar campaign to safeguard the future of Shadsworth Leisure Centre.

The main pool and children's pool at Daisyfield offer a range of sessions and there is even a waiting list for swimming lessons.

Ann Fish, of Ribchester Road, Salesbury, who is helping to organise the petition, said: "The staff are not allowed to speak, but they have been told that the pools will almost certainly shut. "It is absolutely ridiculous. The pools are full all the time and there are sessions for disabled people.

"It would be sadly missed, but we are not going to go down without a fight."

She is urging people to write to the community and leisure services committee at Blackburn town hall to vent their anger.

Retired teacher Penny Monk, of Alexandra Road, Blackburn, who uses the pool several times a week, signed the petition.

She said: "I retired through ill health and swimming is supposed to be therapeutic. The council cannot do this. It is a service which is used by so many people."

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said a team of top-level councillors were due to carry out a review of leisure services.

They will report their findings within six months.

All leisure centres in the borough will be looked at as part of the review.

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