10:00 - 13 March 2008

The Campaign to save a Llanelli lido is being stepped up this week with a public meeting to discuss the best way forward - but hopes of a new pool appear to be slim.Hendy Pool was built in 1932 by unemployed miners and proved a big splash with generations of local children until it closed abruptly in 2002, after cracks appeared in its walls.

Locals have campaigned vigorously to get the pool back in use, because it is one of only two surviving lidos in Wales - the other is in Brynaman.

The campaign won the support of town MP Nia Griffith, AM Helen Mary Jones, and former town AM Catherine Jones. A new website, www.hendypoolandbothsides.org.uk, has been set up to help gather support.

Last year a feasibility study by Hyder Consulting into the site's regeneration was commissioned by the pool's supporters. The results will be displayed in the Urdd Hall, Hendy, today from noon to 9pm, and tomorrow from noon to 7pm.

Members of the study team will be available to discuss ideas and there will be an opportunity for the public to give feedback.

Councillor Vernon Hicks, treasurer of the Hendy Pool and Park Committee, said: "We have three options; an open pool, a closed pool or just a park.

The exhibition will allow members of the public to give their views on what they would like to see, but it may be a case of what we can afford.

"We just have to wait for Hyder to come back to us with the results of the public consultation and then we will have to make a decision.

"It's not looking too good, because a new pool would cost somewhere in the region of £450,000, plus yearly running costs of around £30,000 to £40,000. So far, we have just £19,000 in the fund."

This article was from http://thisissouthwales.co.uk