Campaigners fighting to keep the Barbican and Yearsley pools open have been left feeling the decision to close "has already been made" after voicing their emotional pleas to the council.

Fiona Evans, a member of the Yearsley Action Group, branded the proposed closure an "attack" at a crowded City of York Council leisure services committee meeting.

"Closing down swimming facilities represents an attack on the most vulnerable elements of society," she said.

"The provision of adequate swimming facilities in York is essential to maintain and promote the health and safety of its citizens." Dorothy Nicholson, a campaigner for the Barbican pool, accused councillors of "ducking and diving the issue" as well as stating that closing the Barbican, which needs a massive overhaul, "would be totally unacceptable."

Although a decision will not be made until after a debate at a policy and resources committee meeting later this month, a recommendation to remove a proposed refurbishment of the Barbican from the council's capital programme was approved.

Coun Mick Bradley tabled an amendment to remove the recommendation but it was defeated.

But Coun Bob Scrase, chairman of the committee, played down the importance of the recommendation.

"This is not a final decision. No decision has been made," he said. He explained that the refurbishment of the Barbican was on a council "wish list" and had been for a number of years.

"The decision to remove it is simply an organisational matter to make paperwork easier," he added.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.