MEMBERS of a swimming club have spoken out over the decision to close a pool where generations of children have learned to swim.

Hartlepool's Rossmere Learner Pool has been used to teach children to swim for 40 years.

But a decision to close the pool was made at a meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council because of concerns about health and safety

The council says it would cost about £450,000 to bring the pool up to an acceptable standard.

Hartlepool Swimming Club, which uses the pool to teach youngsters to swim, says it accepts money needs to be spent on the pool, but disputes the cost the council has quoted.

Shaun Cook, chairman of the club, said: "It is the best learning pool in the town. The kids can get in there and build their confidence as it is only one metre deep. It brings them on leaps and bounds.

"It is not just used by us but also local primary schools, and it is something we all feel passionately about.

"We know it needs money spent on it but the safety reasons the council gave us do not warrant closing it down.

"We have stressed we live in a seaside town and all kids should have some sort of ability to swim. We are currently having to use a pool at one of the town's senior schools and the kids are frightened as it is deep and it is taking a while to regain their confidence."

Stuart Drummond, Mayor of Hartlepool, said: "The pool has been in a state of disrepair for some time and we felt there needed to be a health and safety check on it. We were quite shocked at the results. The cost to bring it up to an acceptable standard would be £450,000 and we have not got that kind of money.

"So, unfortunately, our only option was to close it. The council does have an obligation to provide swimming and teach children to swim.

"That swimming programme will not be affected and we will provide alternative pools in other areas."