A SWIMMING pool that campaigners have been fighting to save now cannot be sold without locals having the chance to buy it - and hopes are growing that a community group will be able to take it on.

A decision taken by York council leader Ian Gillies means that New Earswick swimming pool must be offered to community groups before it can be sold off.

On Monday Cllr Gillies listed the pool as an asset of community value - meaning the owners cannot sell it without first giving people in the area the chance to make a community bid.

The Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool (FoNESP) had applied for the listing, saying the pool is well used and is a benefit to people in the area.

The group has been fighting the pool's closure since autumn last year when owner the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) announced the pool was losing £132,000 a year, needed £1.3 million in repairs, and would have to close. The group has since had talks with JRHT, and hopes to lease the pool and run it for the community.

According to the group’s application, the pool has 2,100 visits per week 48 weeks of the year and has more than 13 user groups including competitive swimming clubs, disability swimming groups, military groups, rehabilitation groups, parent and toddler groups, and elderly care groups.

Andrew Calverley, co-chair of the Friends’ group, said it would be submitting its full business plan later this week, and expects a decision from JRHT in June.

A trust spokesman added: “During the past few months, we have worked closely with the FoNESP to give them advice, guidance and support. For example, we have twice extended the deadline for them to deliver a robust business case. We have also offered significant internal resources to assist with the preparation of their business case.”

On Monday Cllr Gillies agreed to add Strensall Library to the list of assets of community value. The application was made by Strensall Parish Council, which originally wanted the flats above the library to be included in the listing. That was ruled out by council staff, who said homes cannot be listed as community assets.