Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies today adds her weight to the tidal wave of support behind the Evening Press campaign to save two York swimming pools.

The golden girl of British swimming is appalled at City of York Council proposals which could see the Yearsley and Barbican pools shut as part of a leisure services shake-up.

The Olympic silver medallist, who was awarded the MBE in 1993, feels public pools are vital resources which should be jealously guarded if Britain is to keep its place on the international swimming scene.

Adding her voice to the Evening Press Save Our Swim campaign, she said: "I was appalled to hear that York City Council is considering proposals to close two of its three swimming pools.

"If Britain is to maintain and improve its position internationally in competitive swimming events we must retain public swimming pools as they enable us to discover and nurture the talent of future generations.

"Swimming pools are an asset to society and play a vital role in managing the health and fitness of the communities they serve."

Miss Davies answered a rallying cry from York pools campaigner Fiona Evans.

She said: "It's great to have someone as influential as Sharron backing the campaign.

"She knows how important swimming is to people of all ages, abilities and disabilities."

Campaigners, who met last night to discuss their strategy, have gathered 7,440 signatures.

They will be gathering more support outside the Asda store at Monks Cross on Saturday from 11am until noon.

Proposals in the leisure service review will be considered by the council's policy and resources committee on February 17.

If you wish to support the Evening Press Save Our Swim campaign to protect both the Barbican and Yearsley pools, please write to us at: Save Our Swim, Evening Press Newsdesk, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or e-mail us at newsdesk@ycp.co.uk.

For more information about our campaign, visit our website at www.thisisyork.co.uk.

See Save Our Swim section

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