Swimmers campaign to save Exeter community pool

The council said Northbrook Pool is underused

Campaigners in Exeter want to save their community pool from closure after the city council said it does not cover its costs.

The council said it needs to make £586,000 savings from its leisure services as part of £3.5m of cuts.

It said the 19-metre Northbrook community swimming pool has been used by "a low number of people", despite attempts to attract more swimmers, and the income is "substantially less" than its running costs.

Eleni Greenwood, who started an online petition, said the pool brings the community together and "eases loneliness and tightens bonds among the locals".

She said many members could not manage or afford to travel to the city centre for their exercise.

Ms Greenwood added that shutting the pool would "deprive" people of the benefits of exercise and "rip the community of a vital facility in a less affluent area".

The petition has so far been signed by more than 500 people.

Exeter City Council said the pool's running costs are high "because of the design and age" of the building.

It said there are two "exceptional" swimming pools nearby and staff would work with users, schools and clubs to signpost other venues if the closure goes ahead.

The six-week consultation will run until 22 April.