PROGRESS on a new pool for Guisborough is going swimmingly, according to the local MP.

The campaign to get new swimming facilities in the town began after Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, commented on the run-down state of the current pool.

Since then, a steering group has been set up and a petition handed in to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council showing support for the proposal.

On Wednesday night, the group, chaired by Dr Kumar, met to review its campaign.

The group wants to finance a feasibility study, which will be done independently and look at demand for a new pool in the town, as well as possible locations.

The plan has the broad support of the borough council, Guisborough Town Council and Lord Gisborough.

Stephen Whitehead, chairman of the Guisborough Markets Initiative scheme and principal of Prior Pursglove College, said that money may be available through the scheme to help to fund the study. Part of the Market Initiatives scheme would look at the needs of the town, and leisure was part of that.

The group agreed to look at its fundraising initiatives and to ask businesses in the east Cleveland area for contributions.

Dr Kumar said yesterday: "It was a constructive meeting and we are now looking to raise money for the feasibility study for the new pool and what type of pool. We will be talking to private business to get their interest as well."

The steering group will meet again on Friday, November 16.