ATHERTON swimmers are taking their marks for a massive sponsored swim in the hope of making their centenary year of celebration a success.

Club members are pulling out all the stops to raise cash for their party year, despite fears that the council may pull the plug on the pool before the event.

Secretary Lev Baddley said the big fund-raiser has been pencilled in for June 26, when 100 swimmers would take the plunge to complete 2002 lengths of the baths in 100 minutes.

But members fear their Mayfield Street pool could face closure due to high running costs.

The building, which underwent a £50,000 renovation two years ago, is under review by the borough leisure and culture committee to see if it can afford the continuing maintenance and upkeep.

Lev, of Belvedere Avenue, secretary of the strong 150-member club since January, said any threat to the pool would be devastating.

He said: "The baths are very well used by a dozen schools, a sub-aqua group and the Wigan scheme of excellence.There's nothing certain, but we shall campaign all the way to keep the doors open.

"I don't think we shall hear anything until September because the Hindley pool is due to close for refurbishment soon."

Atherton Coun Sue Loudon said the future of the pool had been reviewed every year in the seven years she has been a councillor, and a decision had always been made to keep it open.

She said: "I have heard nothing said about the pool being at risk."

And a Wigan Council spokesman stressed no decision had been taken on the future of any of the borough's swimming baths.

He emphasised that Hindley pool was being extensively upgraded.