A YORK MP has called a swimming pool at risk of closure a "vital, important facility".

The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), announced last month New Earswick Swimming Pool would be closed in March, as the trust was running it at a loss of £132,000 a year, and repairs would cost £1.3m.

More than 1,400 people have signed a petition to try and save the New Earswick swimming pool, and on Saturday, Julian Sturdy watched lessons taking place and chatted with swimmers, parents and campaigners who want to keep the pool open, and said he would make every effort to try and retain the pool.

He said: "I think from talking to everyone here today it's absolutely imperative that we do try and keep this pool open. There are a few opportunities. Obviously the JRFT are looking to close the pool towards the middle of next year, but we've got to make sure we get as much time as we can now to see whether the Friends of New Earswick Pool can look at taking over the running of the pool.

"I'm here meeting with them, talking to them, doing whatever I can to help and listen to what they've got to say. I've also met with the trust and I'm meeting again with them on Monday morning to really push the case to make sure that we do all we can to try and keep this vital, important facility open."

Martin Richards, head coach of New Earswick Swimming Club, said he hoped Mr Sturdy would be able to at least convince the trust to give campaigners more time to organise a way to keep the pool operational.

He said: "We're hoping Julian will be able to help us with our attempt to take over the pool as a user group. At this point, things have hit a bit of a delay.

"We're now looking to get our community interest company formed, the applications are going in on Monday. There's been a lot of work going on in setting that up, and we're hoping we can get into discussions with the trust about producing a business plan and taking over the pool by the end of March next year."

A JRHT spokesman said the trust was working with users, councillors and the community about the future of the club, and the decision to close the pool had been made for financial reasons.

He said: "However, we have listened closely to feedback and at the recent drop-in meeting with residents and user groups, we made clear that JRHT is open to considering the transfer of the pool to another party, to upgrade and take on full responsibility for its operation.

"We can confirm that if a robust business case is developed before the end of 2017, then this will be given serious consideration. We are working closely with the Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool and Swim England to explore this possibility."