CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Bingley swimming pool from closure and take over its running are working to form a formal action group.

Bradford Council is to shut the site as part of a £40 million redesign of leisure facilities across the district which includes building four new pools.

A petition signed by more than 4,000 people urged the authority to keep the facility open, but failed to overturn the decision.

Now a dedicated group of Bingley residents wants to find out if other people will help form a Friends of Bingley Pool group to explore the possibility of taking it over.

Anna Mdee, spokesman, triathlete and a coach at Bingley Swimming Club, said it was early days.

"We want to look into what can be done to keep a public swimming facility in the town. But we recognise that this is likely to be a big undertaking.

"It can only happen if others who think the same way get in touch and are prepared to get involved," she said.

“We know that over 4,000 people wanted to keep the pool open.

"Now we need to know if people are prepared to share their time and skills to explore whether or not it is viable to take over the pool as a community asset, into community ownership and run it for the good of the town."

Mrs Mdee, a senior lecturer in international development at Bradford University, said it was estimated that £700,000 would be needed to pay for re-wiring and plumbing work at the pool. She thought that was a relatively small amount when compared to other Council projects, such as the recently announced refurbishment of Shipley Library at £640,000.

"This is really an urgent appeal for people to get in touch and see if we can get a properly constituted group together to take this forward.

"Swimming is a wonderful way for children and everyone to get fit. And it's obviously its important for children to be safe in water," said Mrs Mdee, whose three children all swim at Bingley Pool.

Bradford Council's Strategic Director for Environment and Sport Steve Hartley said: "The Sport Facilities Investment Plan has been developed through wide consultation and the Council has made a decision to develop new sports facilities in the District, which is now being progressed by officers.

"However, the Council will continue to listen and consider views, and if a group wishes to bring forward a proposal regarding Bingley Pool, then I would encourage them to make contact with us as soon as possible."

Anyone interested in joining a new group to explore possibilities for Bingley Pool is asked to e-mail: bingleypool@gmail.com or call 07923 691410.