Community campaigner calls for under-threat Port Baths to be saved

The pool is one of a range of Inverclyde Leisure-run facilities on a closure hit-list as the local authority looks to save over £16m.

But former councillor Jim MacLeod says the pool must be kept open.

He told the Tele it is vital for health and wellbeing but is also an important part of the town's heritage.

Jim once a ran in a by-election campaign in 2001 on a pledge to save the baths after they were at risk.

He told the Telegraph: "It is difficult this time, as everyone accepts that the council has to make savings and some services have to be cut.

"However some are quite sacred to local people - and Port Baths is one of them.

"If the the Baths were to close it would be a great loss to a lot of people - Port Otters use it, the schools too and there is also the gymnasium and sauna which are used by many customers."

Jim says the red sandstone building itself is also of historic significance, as it is linked to the town's shipbuilding past.

He said: "It was gifted to the town in 1894 by local shipbuilder Joseph Russell.

"If the baths close what are we going to do with it?"

Members of the public are also up in arms about the prospect of it closing.

Elizabeth Parker has a 22-year-old son with disabilities who has had been attending the baths since he was seven years old.

Ms Parker, 52, of Lilybank Road, said: "I feel the Port Glasgow swimming baths is a vital resource.

"My son has multiple disabilities and he has benefitted enormously from going there with the Port Glasgow Otters - both physically and mentally.

"Their home is the pool in Port Glasgow.

"The one at the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Greenock is not the same.

"Up here the pool size, quieter environment and changing rooms and location in the town centre means it is more accessible for him and his friends.

A public consultation has been held on the proposed cutbacks and councillors are expected to make a final decision in March.