A CAMPAIGN to build a swimming pool for Easingwold is to be re-launched four years after being shelved.

The campaign, abandoned after it failed to gain approval from Hambleton District Council, has been revived, with nearly 2,000 residents saying "Yes please" to a pool in a recent survey.

With a provisional promise of Lottery funding from Sport England and a meeting with Hambleton District Council due to take place in the next few weeks, members of the swimming pool fundraising committee say they are quietly confident.

"In 1997, a survey was conducted and more than a 1,000 people came out in support," said committee chairman Tom Cunniffe.

"In May we carried out a similar survey and nearly 2,000 people from Easingwold and surrounding villages came out in support.

"Not only do residents want it, we can prove they'll support it. We want this back on the top of the agenda. We're not afraid to fight for it."

Schools have also come out in support of an Easingwold pool, including Crayke Primary School, which currently sends its pupils to Thirsk pool for swimming lessons.

"We are very much in support of this campaign," said head teacher Eva Kora-Shaw.

"At the moment we have to travel quite a distance to take the children swimming."

But the Mayor of Easingwold, Councillor Diane Gallon, told a meeting of Easingwold Town Council that the council was unable to offer support at this time.

"We need more information before committing ourselves," she said.

"And there are a number of issues. At the last public meeting held on this no one could agree on a location.

"Not only that, Hambleton is closing pools around the district and others are losing money.

"However, that does not mean to say we will dismiss the proposal."

A feasibility study was ordered four years ago at the height of the fundraising campaign, but this was later rejected by Hambleton District Council.

Residents have raised more than £10,000 towards the appeal which was set up as a charity.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, November 21, 2002