MEMBERS of a swimming club have expressed their relief after plans to close their pool were scrapped.

The Maelor School in Penley put proposals forward to close its 20 metre indoor heated pool last month in a bid to save up to £40,000.

It led to fears that the closure would have a devastating impact on youngsters at the Penguin's Swim School, some of whom have disabilities.

However, following a backlash, the secondary school has announced a u-turn and said it will now remain open for the next year.

Lorraine Penk, who teaches between 60 to 80 children at the pool, said she was pleased by the move, but plans to look at finding another facility as a contingency.

She said: "I was told just before the new letter went out and I'm very relieved. A lot of the parents were very worried when they were told there were plans to close it.

"It's going to be business as usual, but I will be looking at another pool to ensure we can keep going if anything changes after the next 12 months.

"From what I was told, it was because of the piece which went in the newspaper that they agreed to keep it open."

The governors committee met on Monday and voted unanimously to shelve plans for closing the pool and to increase efforts to encourage the community to use it.

In 2011 a new sports hall was built at the school, with changing facilities, offices, first aid, storerooms and a dance studio.

Following the completion of the refurbishment work, it said that community use of the pool had increased, but had decided to consult on the closure as it faces a funding shortfall.

Headteacher Simon Ellis said: “We all felt very proud of our local community for campaigning to keep our pool, it is an important asset to the school and one that is vital in teaching pupils both young and old essential skills for life.

“I would like to thank the governors, local authority and community in joining together to keep the pool open.”

Business manager Andy Heron said “Together with the local authority the school will be exploring ways to increase the pools usage over the coming year, the community are proud to have the pool and we want to see them able to use it.”