Marchers mark pool protest landmark

The sit-in protest has lasted 101 days

Campaigners occupying a closure-threatened swimming pool have held a street party to celebrate 101 days of their sit-in protest.

The vigil at Govanhill Pool in the south of Glasgow began in March.

Since then about 200 people have taken turns to make sure the building is occupied 24 hours a day.

The 101 days street party and march took place on Saturday.

Some protesters did not want to be identified

Demonstrators marched from nearby Queen's Park to the Edwardian baths, which were built in 1914.

Protesters, who are mounting a court challenge, have said they will continue their sit-in until they succeed in reopening the facility.

The Southside Against Closure group began the campaign after Glasgow City Council decided the pool in Calder Street should close at the end of March.

Council officials said they would have to spend £750,000 on immediate repairs to the building and at least £3m to bring the pool up to standard.

They also said money would be better spent on new facilities such as the Bellahouston and Gorbals leisure centres.

But protesters disagreed and said the council was not listening to the views of local people.

They also pointed out that the pool contains the city's only secluded pool, which is used by women from the local Muslim community whose faith forbids them from bathing where they can be seen by men.

A judicial review of the decision is due to take place later this summer.

Security guards

Protesters, who often spend several days or even weeks without leaving the building, are allowed to use showering and toilet facilities at the pool.

They take in various comforts such as duvets, food and a radio and the council has employed security guards who are outside the premises at all times.

However, a spokesman for Glasgow City Council insisted officials were right to close the pool and said he is confident they will win the pending legal action.

And he urged the campaigners to give up their "futile" occupation because "they are achieving nothing".

The spokesman said: "The council and councillors are comfortable with that decision because we are providing outstanding alternative facilities in the south side of Glasgow.

"We are not depriving people and although they may have to travel a slightly longer distance they have the choice of two outstanding centres."

He added that the campaigners were forcing the council to spend money to pay the security firm who are monitoring the situation.