FOUR hundred signatures have been given in support of a petition to save the casual swimming sessions at the Ward Freman pool in Buntingford. Buntingford District Councillor John Warren will present the petition to the leader of East Herts District Counci

FOUR hundred signatures have been given in support of a petition to save the casual swimming sessions at the Ward Freman pool in Buntingford.

Buntingford District Councillor John Warren will present the petition to the leader of East Herts District Council next week.

Cllr Warren said: "I understand they are trying to balance running costs but

everyone I have spoken to feels sad and angry about the closure."

The decision by the council in July involved the closure of the swimming pool during peak times including bank holidays and weekends.

Although it was hoped that the district council might be able to jump in and save the pool, this hope is fading.

Latest performance figures show an increasing reduction in the number of swimmers and revenue at the Ward Freman pool.

Cllr Warren, who is pleased with the support from the community, added: "The swimming pool has not been advertised well enough, no one knows when its open to the public.

"We asked the swimming club if they would like more time to run classes on a Saturday and Sunday but of course they can't always find people as they rely on volunteers.

"The decision to close the pool has already been made but we must make an effort to save it if that is what the people want."

A spokesperson from East Herts District Council said: "A decision has already been made about changes to the opening times for casual swimmers and these changes will be implemented from September.

"We are always happy to look at other options, but they have to fit in with the needs of the district and they need to be affordable