The part-closure of a caf in a popular swimming Pool complex has landed Bradford Council in hot water.

Furious users of Eccleshill Swimming Pool say they were not consulted over the decision to close its caf by February 18.

And caf worker Lorraine Lynch collected 70 complaint cards in just two days from irate customers who desperately want the facility to remain open.

The Council wants to replace the hot food service with vending machines for a three-month trial period to provide "a more cost-effective service".

But a spokesman for the Council's sport and leisure management department said the caf's dining area would be reopened after refurbishment with new tables and chairs.

Mrs Lynch, 44, who has worked at the pool for eleven years, said: "The staff knew that the Council wanted to close the caf down but we were told a decision wouldn't be made until the users were consulted.

"They've totally by-passed us all. The customers are really upset.

"Closing the servery will mean fewer customers and people will go elsewhere, such as the refurbished Shipley pool, and our pool could close."

The campaign to keep the caf open is being backed by community groups and a local councillor - and it follows the Council's announcement yesterday that Thornton baths is to close.

Joan Foulds, secretary of the Greengates and Ravenscliffe Community Regeneration Forum, said: "This is one of the few facilities left for people living around here.

"The schools have closed and the sports centre is going. It's a vital focal point."

Audrey Raistrick, secretary of the Greengates and Ravenscliffe Community Forum, was equally unimpressed.

She said: "People don't want vending machines. They want a face-to-face service.

"We're trying to protect the interests of the people who work there and also those who use the pool."

Councillor Alun Griffiths said he did not want to see the facilities at Eccleshill pool run down.

He said: "I understand how people are concerned that the area has lot a lot of its facilities and none of us want another one to go."

A spokesman for the Council's sport and leisure management department said: "In the future we hope to develop the swimming facilities, subject to funding and resources, and this will be addressed as part of our facilities strategy, for the district as a whole. This will be drawn up in conjunction with Sport England and other key agencies."