A COUNCILLOR has joined the campaign to save a village swimming pool from the axe.

Chris Howard, Labour councillor for Wheelton and Withnell ward, is fighting to save Brinscall Baths, which faces an uncertain future due to a dwindling number of bathers.

The building is currently subject to an independent report commissioned by Chorley Borough Council.

"I was approached by people to make a stand on this," said Coun Howard. "The baths are a community landmark that we don't want to lose. If it was closed then it would not be very good for the village."

The pool is owned by the council, but operated by community leisure services, who also manage facilities at Clayton Green and the All Seasons Leisure Centre.

The council's assessment began in September and was due in December but still has not been delivered. David Jones, the council's head of leisure services, said the report was due soon and would reserve comment until it was published.

The baths were built in 1911 by the Park family, who also built the original Chorley Library and the Withnell Fold Paper Mill.

People concerned about the fate of the baths set up The Friends of Brinscall Baths last March.

Sandra Beswick, of Ashmeadow Lane, Brinscall, who organises the group, said: "Since we moved here five years ago all of my family have used the baths.

"We are waiting for the report. When it's out we will be looking to work with the council to not only keep the baths, but also modernise them.

"We want to bring them into the 21st Century, but keep their original charm.

"Lots of older people who use the pool wouldn't be happy going elsewhere."