DON'T close our pool - that's the message from a group of swimmers to city bosses.

Closing the pool in Lliswerry leisure centre is being considered by Newport council because they say it faces a huge repair bill.

But a petition of 250 signatures calling for the pool to be saved has already been handed in. Ward councillors and Newport East AM John Griffiths have also opposed closure.

Betty Wroe runs a women's only swim night there every Tuesday and explained why they wanted the pool to remain open.

"It's the only one in Newport that really suits our purpose. The water is not cold and it's private, there's no-one sitting overlooking the pool, and it has easy parking."

She said the pool in the nearby International Sports Village was for strong swimmers and all her members were over 60 while the one in Newport Centre was more suitable for youngsters.

Mrs Wroe took over the running of the club, which has 20 members, more than 20 years ago.

She doubted the estimated cost of the work given in a council report.

It said £70,000 was needed to replace the pool's plant and another £250,000 to refurbish the changing rooms.

Members of a scrutiny forum were given the information as part of a detailed review into swimming in the city and recommended another study was undertaken.

But Cllr Mike Hamilton, cabinet member for leisure, felt this would just mean more costs and the cabinet agreed to move to consultation over the future of the pool.

A new swimming pool is due to open later this year in the new high school in Bettws.