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

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

The council claimed 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 the council now says the pool will not close as part of the authority's budget planning.

Councillor Dave Fitzpat-rick, cabinet vice-chairman and cabinet 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."

MP Ashok Kumar, 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 are still saying that there may be health and safety problems at the pool, despite the fact that Tees Valley Leisure, who run the pool for the council, say they are unaware of them."

He said he hoped the review being carried out would concentrate on the positives, rather than by looking for future reasons for closure.