The council commissioned the report by structural engineers to assess the viability of the pool, which was built in the early 1930s by unemployed tinplate workers.

Campaigners say it is a popular facility in the village and an important piece of social history.

But the report states: "Due to the extensive remedial works required, the pool is beyond economical repair and no certainty can be given regarding the medium to long-term effectiveness of such repairs."

Carmarthenshire's senior leisure manager Ian Jones said: "Although we know some members of the community will be disappointed, the council would not be able to justify spending that amount of taxpayers' money with no guarantees that the repairs would last.

"Instead, we are working on a proposal for other leisure facilities in the village and will be consulting with the community over these."

But campaign organiser Derrick Lyon has questioned the report.

He said there were local builders and builders' merchants in the area ready to give time and resources to their cause.

"There are many people prepared to help and the community has put forward fundraising ideas which puts a different light on matters," he said.

"The council will have to prove conclusively there is no hope for Hendy Pool - we will fight on."

Campaigners have organised a public meeting for 22 February at 1900GMT in the Urdd Hall at Hendy.