THE 3,500 people who signed a petition against the closure Guisborough swimming pool have been promised that it will not close as a result of council budgeting.

The pool was earmarked for closure under proposals by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council as it prepared to set the 2004/05 council tax.

The council said it had been informed by both Sport England and independent consultants that there were too many pools in the borough and that it would be better to have one main pool. It also cited concerns over health and safety.

But now the council is insisting the pool will not close as part of the Authority's budget planning.

Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, cabinet vice-chairman and member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "We have always maintained that the pool would not be closed as a budget pressure.

"Everyone must accept that the pool is in a poor condition and it will only close if we have serious health and safety reservations.

"We are organising a complete review of all leisure provision and when that is complete we will be in a much better position to assess what's on offer."

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, who launched the Hands off our Pool campaign, said: "If this is correct it is very good news.

"However, I feel there may still be battles ahead. The council is still saying that there may be health and safety problems at the pool, despite the fact that Tees Valley Leisure, which runs the pool for the council, says it is unaware of them.

"The council is also still saying it is conducting an ongoing inquiry into pool provision across the borough. I hope that the inquiry will concentrate on the positives, rather than by looking for future reasons for closure."