MORE than 1,000 letters - mainly from primary school pupils - opposing the closure of Queensbury Pool will be delivered to councillors in Bradford today.

Campaigners trying to save the leisure facility will present the letters at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Executive this morning.

Sian Stebbings, who is one of the people behind the campaign to save the pool, said the letters were mainly written by primary school pupils, as well as a handful of head teachers and parents.

She added that the campaign - and the letters - would next be taken to Downing Street.

“We’ve always known that the schools and local community value this facility so strongly, and so we knew the level of support we would receive - although we do not think the Council anticipated the same,” said Miss Stebbings.

“The support from all 16 primary schools has never faltered from the start of our campaign. Whilst we expected the support of parents and staff, we have been overwhelmed by the individual letters written by children in support of keeping their pool open, so much so that despite initially planning to deliver these letters to the councillors at the executive meeting, we have now taken the decision ourselves to forward these letters to Downing Street.

“It is vitally important that the people who make the final decision realise how strongly our children feel.

“Nearly 23,000 swimming lessons were undertaken at this small pool last year, which demonstrates how important this facility is to the 16 primary schools who continue to use it.”

Matt Elam, a year six pupil at Foxhill Primary in Queensbury, said in his letter: “Do you really think it’s a good idea to leave Queensbury without a pool, us local schools are outraged!

“If plans go ahead, children could die as they wouldn’t know how to swim if they fall into a body of water. Also, we – as locals – can walk down to our pool easily. But if you close it down, the closest pool would be Halifax so we’d be unable to walk down. This needs to change! I know you don’t want to be responsible for young children’s lives so please take this letter into consideration.”

Darcey Clayton, a year six pupil at Shibden Head Primary, said: “If you get rid of this pool, you will be taking away some children’s fun because they might not have access to another pool. Why would you do that?”