CONSULTANTS have been called in to discuss the possibility of a town's doomed swimming pool being handed over to the public.

The closure of Shildon's learner pool, as part of a £3.5m package of savings by Durham County Council, has twice led to outrage among the community.

When it was originally mooted, residents turned out in their hundreds at public meetings to show their anger at the proposals.

But after an apparent victory, the plans were brought back to the fore earlier this year, sparking calls from Shildon Chamber of Trade for residents and businesses to withhold their rates in protest.

It is felt the closure would be the final straw, following the closure of Hackworth House, Shildon's residential nursing home.

But now there is a glimmer of hope in the battle to save the pool, which is situated at Shildon County Primary School.

The Shildon Learner Pool Local Trust has been set up and was due to meet consultant Neil Cunningham this week at the offices of Shildon Town Council.

Chamber of Trade chairman Brian Stoker said the move was a 'glimmer' of hope in the fight.

He said: "We are having another meeting to discuss a feasibility study on the baths, to see whether it is worth passing over to the community at a peppercorn rent."

The pool is one of four at primary schools in County Durham which have been approved by the county council's cabinet for closure in a bid to save £3.5m in maintenance repairs, with the others in Fishburn, Kelloe and Barnard Castle.

It was originally earmarked for closure in 2000 and the first battle to save the pool was fought tirelessly. It was even brought to the attention of the then Sports Minister, Kate Hoey.

An appeal by the late councillor Tony Moore, who led the opposition to the plans, brought forward documents showing how the pool had been built following a £4,000 gift to the county council from the people of Shildon.

Following protests over the original closure plans, the county council agreed to extend community use for the pool at Shildon, which is the only swimming facility in the town, and the pool was opened up to residents.