A CAMPAIGN to safeguard the future of York's Yearsley Pool found voice at a full meeting of the city's council.

Devoted pool user Fiona Evans made an impassioned plea to councillors over the pool's 50 yard facility, which the council is considering replacing with a 25 metre pool.

She told the full meeting of City of York Council to consider upgrading the leisure facility and keep the 50 yard pool.

She said in a survey of 1,622 users, more than 99 per cent wanted to keep the existing 50 yard pool.

"This survey result sends a very clear, positive and decisive message to the council from the Yearsley Pool customers," she told the meeting.

"At the very least this option must be considered and professionally costed.

"If the council is truly democratic, and truly customer focused then you have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate it."

She added that the refurbishment to the under-threat pool could cost as little as £1 million.

Yearsley Pool was not debated by councillors, who received the survey.

Picture: Users of Yearsley Pool have presented a survey to the City of York Council in their campaign to keep the 50-yard pool. Front is group co-ordinator Fiona Evans, with, from left, Jamie Webster, Jonathan Clark, Douglas Kirkwood, Rob Oldfield, John Stead, Geoffrey Hope and Bob Jowett

Updated: 12:52 Wednesday, September 19, 2001