SWIMMERS at Crewe have reacted angrily to a proposal to axe the town's swimming baths in favour of a new pool at the MMU Cheshire campus in Crewe Green Road.

The baths at Flag Lane were due to be replaced by a new pool at the Cumberland Arena complete with a new sports hall.

But plans for the proposed pool have been put on hold over a possible venture with MMU.

Early talks have taken place between the university and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council to share sporting facilities on University Way and for students to use other facilities in the town.

Conservative council leader Brian Silvester said: 'Discussions have been on-going with MMU and I am quite excited by the prospect.

'We are looking at the possibility of having a new swimming pool at the university combined with a sports centre.

'It would be joint use with a lot of time available for the public and we would be looking at joint funding for the project.'

Crewe Pool opened in November 1937 when admission was a mere three-penny bit for adults and one penny for children.

A £200,000 refurbishment saw the pool closed for nearly a year in 1999 after parts of the roof collapsed four times.

Cllr Steve Roberts, Labour's shadow leisure spokesman, claims people would see in a 50% drop in swimming time.

He says the new swimming pool would only be open to the public during the evenings and at weekends, whereas the present council-run pool is open from early morning until late at night seven days a week.

He said:'I have spoken to a number of people who regularly use the baths and they are outraged by the plans. I am deeply concerned about the impact on hard working families and pensioners.'

It is estimated the present pool caters for150,000swimmers each year butthe new move would see admissions halved to 75,000 per year.

Cllr Roberts added: 'At a time when a great deal of emphasis is being placed on healthy life-styles, it does not make sense to impose such a massive cut on something that is making a tremendous difference to the health of the residents of the borough, and something that is obviously enjoyed by so many.

'The Tory council leaders face a ferocious backlash from the public if swimming is downgraded to a part-time role.'

Cllr Roberts is calling for a full public consultation.