ATHLETICS coach David Lucas is launching a last minute bid to save Lydney's open air swimming pool.

Mr Lucas, named recently as the district's top coach and the driving force behind the Forest of Dean Athletics Club, says the pool is much too valuable an asset to lose.

"I can understand the reasoning behind the town council's decision not to open the pool this summer. There is obviously a serious financial implication now Lydney has an indoor facility, but the open air pool serves an entirely different need and should be retained," he said.

Mr Lucas fears the decision not to open the pool this summer will mean it will never open again.

"I appreciate it will cost more money but I really believe it is much too valuable an asset. During the school holidays last year it was a real hotspot for the youngsters. For just £1 a day they can stay for as long as they want. It is very different from the indoor pool and very much a meeting place," he said.

Mr Lucas believes the council could encourage greater use of the pool by extending opening hours.

"The pool could be advertised at camp sites in the Forest and the use could even be extended to include, perhaps, canoeists in the evenings. There are lots of options which could be considered," he said.

Locally, Mr Lucas said many youngsters were shocked to hear the council had decided to close the pool.

"Comments have ranged from 'what will they put in its place?' , 'they can't, it's part of our heritage', to 'what will I do all summer, I spend most of my time up there?'. There are also a few who say they will not use the indoor pool if the outdoor one is closed.

"In my opinion the council have made no effort to improve what is a very highly used asset," he said.

Mr Lucas added he also believed the closure of the pool could bring an increased level of vandalism.

The town's new indoor pool, built with the aid of a Lottery grant, has won great praise as a top class facility but Mr Lucas says he intends to ask the Sports Council if the money has been used correctly.

"My understanding is that money was not be be spent from the Lottery which would replace an existing facility," he said.