Oxford Temple Cowley pool petition rejected

The council said it was more cost-effective to build a new swimming pool

Campaigners trying to save a public swimming pool in Oxford have had their 10,000-signature petition rejected by the council.

Oxford City Council said the pool at Temple Cowley was outdated and too expensive to run.

At a meeting on Monday night it confirmed it would go ahead with plans to shut it.

The Blackbird Leys pool will also close but a new one will be built adjoining Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

The council said it was the only viable financial option to keep a swimming pool in the south-east of the city.

But campaigners fighting to save the Temple Cowley pool have criticised the plan.

Jane Alexander, from the Save Temple Cowley Pool group, wants the council to reconsider its decision.

She told the meeting: "You may be desperate for a new pool but we are desperate to keep our pool."

The council has estimated it would cost £24.2m to refurbish Temple Cowley Pool, and £24m to rebuild it entirely.

It claims it is more cost-effective to build a new eight-lane pool in Blackbird Leys, along with a learner pool, which would cost £16.8m.