Campaigners enjoyed a free swim at Manningham’s historic pool in protest at its threatened closure.

The event was organised by national charity the Victorian Society, which campaigns to protect Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

The Society stumped up the cash to cover the entry fee of those who attended the protest.

The move comes after Bradford Council revealed in its budget proposals that the Manningham swimming baths, in a Grade II listed building in Carlisle Road, will be closed along with five libraries.

The pool’s closure, for which a date has not been set, will save just £119,000, as part of a cuts package worth £30million.

Supporting the campaign, Titch Kavanagh, of Manningham, said: “It’s a wonderful facility and it needs saving.

“It is a wonderful building to be in, to look at, and it is a local resource for one of the poorest parts of Bradford.”

Shakil Ahmed, of Anvil Street, Manningham, brought along his friend Sajjad Ahmed, who was visiting from Pakistan.

He said: “I was really upset to hear it was going to close. I don’t want it to close down. My friends come, I used to bring my children. I wanted to show it to my friend.”

Robert Ashford said: “I am here to support the campaign. I think it’s great they have lessons for everybody.

“We’re coming down here for a free swim to say ‘This is our pool in Manningham, people do use it and we want it saved’.”

Director of the Victorian Society Dr Ian Dungavell said: “It is a remarkable experience to swim in Manningham Baths.

“Nowhere else do you really get the feeling you’re swimming in an Edwardian pool. I have swum in historic baths all around the country, and this is the most important swimming pool of its type.

“Bradford Council must find a way to keep this important part of our heritage open and in use.

“It is one of only 15 listed Victorian and Edwardian pools open to the public and it is the best of its type in the whole country. It is outstanding.”