CALLS have gone out to Winchester City Council to consider closing the swimming pool at River Park Leisure Centre in a bid to save money.

Several councillors raised the issue in a debate on council finances and the necessary future repairs and refurbishment at the Winchester leisure complex.

Councillor Margot Power said the pool costs a lot of money to run, and River Park was not available to those living in the outlying areas due to its distance.

Councillor Ian Tait pointed out that there were several schools that have swimming pools for use in Winchester.

“We do need to be more radical in our thinking, there are other pools,” he said.

Councillor Keith Wood, member for finance and estates, said there were no plans to stop swimming in Winchester and that closing the pool would present a problem because of the contract with those running it.

Council leader George Beckett said that £3.5m to £5m would be required to replace the facility, and improvements would also help the council reduce its carbon footprint.