Plea for cash to keep pools open

Campaigners fighting to preserve London's threatened swimming pools are demanding extra funding to keep them open.

The London Pools Campaign has identified the best - and worst - of the capital's 104 swimming pools by sending testers to take a dip in each.

Ninety "undercover" swimmers found what they described as some "real horrors", including a pool with no showers - Chafford sports complex in Rainham, Essex - and another with changing rooms built from only breeze blocks.

"Some pools are so old and run down it is really difficult to make them look and feel clean," said a campaign spokeswoman. " Chlorine stains the floors and seats, lockers have lost keys, changing cubicles have lost locks and hinges and shower heads are blocked. But some pools were just dirty."

However, the testers also discovered "beautiful" architecture, light, airy halls and clean, clear water. On Wednesday the winners - in categories including best pool, swimmers' favourite and best borough - will be chosen from shortlists of three at the Golden Goggles awards.

Today campaign co-ordinator Liz Hughes said a London public pool closed every year on average. "We have a situation where a government is trying to push healthy living, but not enough money is being put into swimming," she said.

Funding for public pools should be the responsibility of government, added Ms Hughes. "Local authorities have to provide housing, roads and social services, and pools can easily lose out."

Olympic gold medal winner Duncan Goodhew will present the Golden Goggles awards at Marshall Street Baths in Soho - an art deco, marble-lined pool which has been closed for seven years.