IT COULD be some years before Guisborough gets a new swimming pool, according to officials from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

A campaign has been launched in the town for a new pool because it is felt the present baths need replacing with more modern facilities. Most residents are backing the proposals.

Guisborough Town Council has written to the borough council asking about the future of the existing swimming pool.

Keith Pearson, leisure facilities officer at Redcar and Cleveland Council, said the pool would operate at the present site in the short term and that a feasibility study is to be undertaken to identify funding for the project.

He said: "I believe if a new pool is to be built at Guisborough it will be some years before that happens."

Rob Vincent-Jones, from Guisborough Swimming Club, said: "I am under no illusions that this is going to happen next week. I think it is probably going to take two years until the digger starts digging and another year before the place opens."

He added that the steering group set up to look into the prospect of a new pool was now looking at possible sites for the centre.