Cracks at a swimming Pool pulled the plug on people hoping for a dip.

Around 20,000 gallons of water leaked out of Thornton Baths.

The Victorian building was shut over the Millennium holiday and staff had planned to re-open it in time for swimmers keen to fulfil New Year's Resolutions.

But it had to had to close its doors after about a third of the water in it drained away.

A spokesman for Bradford Council's recreation division said today: "Unfortunately we were not able to open the pool last week as planned because during the Christmas break cracks appeared in the pool tank and the water started draining away.

"The pool was checked every other day during the holiday but about a third of the water drained away between a member of staff calling in on Saturday, January 1 and the next visit on Monday, January 3."

The tank is being repaired and staff plan to be able to re-open it to the public on Saturday. In all, it is thought about 20,000 gallons of water drained away.

No flooding was caused because the water went into the normal drainage system.

Staff had to empty the pool in order to carry out repairs and are now in the process of refilling it before treating the water.

Villagers voiced fears for the future of the baths at a Neighbourhood Forum meeting. Their concerns were sparked by a proposed package of improvements to swimming pools in the district which included Rhodesway Pool in nearby Allerton but did not mention Thornton.

At the time, Bradford Councillor Barry Thorne (Lab, Keighley West), chairman of the now defunct Leisure Services Committee, denied there were secret plans to close the pool.

And a Council spokesman added today: "Last September the Leisure Services Committee approved a draft strategy for sports centres and swimming pools across the district and also gave the go-ahead for wide-ranging public consultation and a survey of all pools.

"Once these have taken place an action plan will be developed for the future provision and development of swimming facilities in the district."

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