He said: "This is the result we were expecting due to the open nature of the question asked at the poll and I fully agree that in an ideal world the pool in St Anne's should be kept open past 31 July.

"However this is simply not possible within the budget and I am afraid the decision to close the pools will remain unless an organisation can come forward with a suitable plan, and funding, to take it over."

In order for the council to maintain the operation of the pool a council tax increase of over £30 per household each year would be required, he revealed.

"For many this is simply not possible or acceptable," said Coun Coombes. "Instead the council has pledged to work hard to find an alternative long-term solution for a pool in partnership with the Private Sector. In the mean time there are plenty of excellent swimming facilities on the doorstep of the St Anne's pool."

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