Pool petition sent to councillors

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition demanding Bristol City Council keeps Bishopsworth swimming pool open.

A new £22m sports centre planned for Hengrove Park means Bishopsworth and Jubilee pools would both close as part of the council's swimming strategy.

But some swimmers have accused the council of going back on a pledge to retain popular community facilities.

The council says it wants to build the new facility to bring swimming pool provision up to date.

'Vital amenity'

The petition calls for the pool to remain open up to and beyond Hengrove's proposed opening in 2010.

Conservative leader Cllr Richard Eddy, who represents Bishopsworth, was due to present the 1,541-name petition at a council meeting on Tuesday.

Campaigners say Bishopsworth baths is well-used by the general public, local schools and swimming clubs.

"To close this vital amenity on purely financial grounds would be an absolute disgrace," a spokesman said.