Council chiefs have been forced to put their controversial plans to shake-up the district’s swimming pools on hold, pending an internal review.

A Conservative councillor has triggered the review, saying he was concerned about the plan to close pools.

Bradford Council plans to shut four baths – the Richard Dunn Sports Centre in Odsal, Bingley, Queensbury and Bowling – and open four in inner-city locations yet to be revealed.

The Council says the pools earmarked for closure are not just outdated and inefficient, but are also in the wrong places. But the proposal has sparked a public outcry, particularly in Bingley and Queensbury, where campaigners are fighting to keep the pools open.

The executive of the Labour-led Council gave an initial green light to the plans when it met on Tuesday, and progressed them to the next stage – a series of public consultations.

But a councillor has now called in the decision for examination by a scrutiny committee.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, who chairs the Regeneration and Economy Scrutiny Committee, said he had serious concerns over the plans.

He said although the scheme was only a proposal at this stage, he feared it was a “fait accompli”.

And he said he was concerned at the strength of feeling against the proposals in some communities.

He said: “I have consulted with my group leader Councillor Glen Miller before taking this action, which I have not done lightly. There is clearly a huge outcry from the public to have their pools remain locally to them.”

Coun Mallinson said campaigners would be welcome to present their arguments to the committee when it considered the matter. The news was welcomed by campaigners yesterday.

Jag Picknett, one of those fighting to save Bingley Pool said: “I really am glad someone at the Council has seen common sense. It’s nice to know there’s someone there who’s looking after our local communities.”

Councillor Andrew Thornton (Lab), executive member for sport, who is spearheading the plan, said: “Obviously it’s a major decision for the Council to be taking and we have these checks and balances in place, so they are entitled to take this step if they want to go over it.

”Clearly, when it does come to the scrutiny committee, I will be there to make the case for what it is we want to do.”