THE East Yorkshire coach of an Olympic gold medal winner has urged Hull City Council to think again over plans to close swimming pools.
Public support is growing for a campaign to prevent the closure of the pools at Ennerdale Leisure Centre in north Hull.
A petition set up by the Lib Dems has reached 1,000 signatures, alongside almost 500 on an online petition launched by a swimming club that uses the centre.
Now, Jon Rudd, who trained 15-year-old Lithuanian sensation Ruta Meilutyte to Olympic gold in the women's 100m breaststroke, has called for the pool to be saved.
Mr Rudd, who is originally of Hedon, returned to Hull last year to help train about 50 young people from South Holderness Swimming Club at Ennerdale.
He said: "It is sad when any pool closes, even if old and dilapidated, but Ennerdale is a relatively new pool.
"Hull has a big population that has health issues and needs to encourage people to exercise more.
"When you take away a facility like Ennerdale swimming pool, you are making matters worse.
"This isn't just about competitive swimming but giving youngsters swimming lessons and improving the lifestyle of people in the city.
"It is a very sad situation indeed."
Mr Rudd believes targeting leisure facilities is an easy way of cutting costs but warns it could prove detrimental.
"I understand councils are really under the cosh and there are certain services they can't cut," he said.
"I wouldn't say swimming pools are a luxury. They are very important to the wellbeing of people.
"Hull City Council really needs to look at this again."
Plans to close the swimming facilities at the centre were recently confirmed by senior Labour politicians at the Guildhall as part of a £1m savings programme involving Hull City Council's sports and culture venues.
However, since they were first announced three weeks ago, the plans have been widely criticised.
Kingston-Upon-Hull Swimming Club fears for its future if the pools close.
Coach Paul Rodmell said: "We understand the council has to make cuts but this is the only pool suitable to hold gala events.
"We can have 250 spectators here and the galas can bring in £25,000 revenue, which is vital.
"Without this money, we cannot continue."
It is expected that a decision about the future of the swimming pools will be made at the September meeting of Cabinet.
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