Local resident and regular swimmer Julia Southan has started a petition to let Herefordshire Council know the strength of local feeling against the possible closure of Ross Swimming Pool and its relocation to the John Kyrle High School.

Mrs Southan told the Ross Gazette: "I am opposed to moving the swimming pool and almost everyone I have spoken to about this issue agrees with me. At the moment it is in an ideal position, close to the town centre and with plenty of parking.

Councillor Caroline Utting and Councillor Chris Bartrum joined Mrs Southan as she launched her petition. Mrs Southan said she is worried about the amount of parking available at the school and she is very concerned that if the pool moves to the school that access may be restricted during the day.

Councillor Utting told the Ross Gazette that she asked about access to a relocated pool at JKHS, at a meeting held by Herefordshire Council for Parish Councillors. She was told it would be available throughout the day for the public. She said:?"I am however rather sceptical about this as I have heard from other sources that this would not be the case."

Mrs Southan is also worried about the affect on the town centre as many people who park at the pool for a swim now then walk into town for shopping or to use the cafés.

She said lots of tourists use the pool school and even Mary Portas advised the way to save town centres is to keep services, not just shops and offices.

Mrs Southan will be placing her petition at various places around Ross and hopes that plenty of people will sign it.