A PETITION lodged to keep Prestwick’s swimming pool opened has gained over 6,000 signatures since the announcement of its possible closure.

Last month it was revealed in South Ayrshire Council’s budget proposals that “painful but necessary” choices had to be made, reviewing sport, leisure and golf provisions by proposing to close Prestwick swimming pool and the reduction of swimming pool opening hours to “reflect customer demand”.

However, residents in Prestwick and supporters from afar have joined together to stop the proposals from going any further.

An online petition to keep the pool open has received 6,425 supporters and it’s growing quickly, as well as paper petitions, which can be found in shops throughout Prestwick.

And on the online petition itself, it explains that closing the swimming pool could lead to a “great strain on rescue services” if children are not being given the chance to learn how to swim.

It said: “It is a well attended pool that is used regularly for swimming lessons for all ages, school swimming and swimming club along with public swimming times. It is much more accessible and many people prefer the pool to others in the area.

“If it were to close, [swimming] lessons could not be accommodated elsewhere, and given that there is already lengthy waiting lists for lessons it would mean that children would not learn an essential life and life-saving skill.

"Given that we live in a coastal area, children not learning to swim could lead to a great strain on rescue services in the future.”

Speaking previously to the Ayr Advertiser, when a peaceful protest was held outside the building, Mike Tomlinson, Vice-Chairman for PNCC, said: “The Prestwick Community Councils are going to be objecting to these proposals - I think my approach is if more people use the facilities, that would generate more income and that would hopefully keep the pool open.

“It is down to the community to use them more. Fundamentally the council should be supporting this facility for the community in Prestwick and the community should use it a bit more - swimming has got health benefits - when you are swimming you are doing something for yourself.”

Consultation for the budget is now open for residents - Sainsbury’s Prestwick on Wednesday, January 24 from 12pm - 2pm and Prestwick Academy,  Wednesday, January 24 from 3pm - 6.30pm.