Market Drayton and Whitchurch swimming pools plunged into battle for their futures

Pools in the north of the county are among those under the microscope of Shropshire Council, which has described keeping the one in Market Drayton as a priority, while saying the one in Whitchurch should only remain open if a local group comes forward to run itthe site.

Organisations are being sought to take over leisure facilities which the council can no longer support.

The council's draft sports facilities strategy said: "In the north of Shropshire, there are two similar swimming facilities in Whitchurch and Market Drayton. The latter also offers a learner pool and a fitness suite. It is considered that this facility should be retained as a priority.

"If there is a local party interested in taking responsibility for its future operational management, and this can be secured, then retaining Whitchurch should be considered.

"It may not however be sustainable to continue to provide both facilities within the same catchment area.

"SC's role in providing either facility should not be long term, but ensuring continued access to swimming facilities for the communities in both areas is a priority, because both towns are outside the 30-minute catchment drive of the fitness provision."

David Minnery, mayor of Market Drayton, said he was pleased the town's swimming pool was seen as a priority. He said: "Having originally convinced North Shropshire District Council to build the pool nearly 30 years ago I am very pleased to see that Shropshire Council feels that it is a priority for them.

"It is certainly a priority for me, and through the town council I will be making every effort to ensure that our pool remains open. Swimming is an excellent way to keep fit, and learning to swim is a 'must' for all children."

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch, said it was important for their town to retain its swimming pool.

She said: "It would be a huge shame for Whitchurch to lose this valuable asset. It is so important children have a pool nearby to learn how to swim. This will need to be looked at to see what we can do."

Stuart West, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for leisure and culture, has urged people to take part in a consultation on the authority's sports facilities strategy, which proposes closing a number of sites across the county.

He said: "Most importantly We need to speak to local communities and organisations where facilities might be at risk and where the council, due to its diminishing budget, could withdraw support and not invest."

"The strategy will also help further inform the ongoing discussions taking place between local councils and officers at Shropshire Council on the future of local services and assets, which will continue as planned."