THE fight to salvage Morecambe's Sandylands seawater pool is under way. Nearby residents have launched a petition to save the pool in response to Lancaster City Council's plans to axe it to imporve the coastline. Councillors want to build a freshwater pool further along the seafront which would mean the £90,000 a year running costs of Sandylands could be scrapped.

Ruth Eccleston, of Ryedale Grove, who is leading a petition to save the pool, said: "We want to save the pool because it is a part of Morecambe. It is a gorgeous natural beauty spot that shouldn't be lost.

"Many youngsters have enjoyed themselves in the pool learning sailing and yachting."

Members of the St John Uniformed Group, who have used the pool for canoeing and other activities, want to keep the pool because it is a safe place for children to learn to swim.

Cllr Trevor Tattersall said: "At the moment we are in the process of consulting with various people about the plans and we have already spoken to residents on Sandylands prom."

In July the council will also be holding talks with the Heysham Neighbourhood Council to discuss the plans.

"At the end of the day people don't like to see something which they've had for many years be demolished. But we have to have to build up the sea defences. It means £90,000 of tax payers' money could be spent elsewhere," he added.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.