CAMPAIGNERS fighting for the future of a community pool fear its days are numbered after plans for a new facility were announced.

If the proposals for a new community stadium and swimming pool in Huntington go ahead, Yearsley Pool Action Group (YPAG) believe the only option for the Haley Terrace venue would be to shut its doors, resulting in the loss of “the unique, historic and valuable” attraction.

The group has fought a battle to keep the pool open for the past 15 years, and it was successful in securing a £1.2million refurbishment in 2007.

However, a review is set to take place six months prior to the new facilities opening to determine whether operators GLL will be able to run Yearsley when the new services open to the public.

Fiona Evans, of YPAG, said: "From available information, not to mention 15 years of acute observation, we believe this plan is going to be implemented in 2016, with the resultant loss of the unique, historic and valuable Yearsley Pool.

"This would not only be a tragic loss of a valuable community asset, which by virtue of its long length and large capacity tank, provides a different type of swimming environment to any other facility in York, it would also represent a scandalous waste of public money."

Sally Burns, director of communities and Neighbourhoods at City of York Council said: "Public leisure facilities are facing closure throughout the UK due to lack of long-term funding for their upkeep and ongoing operation.

"In York there has instead been a significant investment into new leisure facilities including a new community leisure complex at Energise and the fantastic competition standard facilities at York Sport Village.

"The current plans unveiled by the council this week propose a further £37m investment into community leisure facilities at Monks Cross.

“The council has invested significant capital funds in the upkeep of Yearsley Pool, most recently in replacing the boiler, to keep it in operation and to reduce the annual subsidy of the pool, which now stands at £250k per year."