Keighley MP Ann Cryer yesterday urged the Government to stop the proposed closures of four swimming pools in the Bradford district.

Pools in Bingley, Queensbury, Manningham and at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre at Odsal, have been recommended for the axe by consultants commissioned by Bradford Council.

Mrs Cryer told the House of Commons she had received many complaints from residents who regularly use the pools.

The closures, recommended in a report commissioned by the Council, come after Culture Secretary Andy Burnham announced plans for free admission to all swimming pools in England by 2012.

Mrs Cryer said one local resident had expressed her “dismay” at the planned closure of Bingley pool, where her daughter has been taking swimming lessons for 30 weeks. The MP asked Mr Burnham: “Would you make representations to Bradford and persuade them not to close these pools?”

Mr Burnham said councils should be “thinking more positively” about the contribution swimming can make to people’s fitness and well-being.

“Swimming is universally popular, it’s something that everyone can imagine themselves doing and it’s something families can go and do together,” he said.

Councils should be able to “manage costs in other areas” to make sure pool closures do not happen, Mr Burnham added. He said he would meet Mrs Cryer to discuss the issues at a local level.

Meanwhile, more than 200 people signed a petition pledging their support to the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Swimming Campaign in Bingley.

Yesterday two of Bingley’s three Conservative ward councillors spoke out for the first time.

Former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Robin Owens, said: “The three Bingley councillors have a vision for Bingley and it does not include losing our pool. I am confident we are not going to lose a pool, although it is in desperate need of refurbishment.”

Councillor David Heseltine said: “I support swimming in Bingley and modern, up-to-date swimming facilities.

“I am not held up by the Victorian building with the small pool in it. It does not meet modern standards.”

Councillor Colin Gill was unavailable for comment.