CAMPAIGNERS have launched a new "sports manifesto" calling for improved facilities throughout York.

York Sport And Leisure Campaign has sent the document to all candidates in next month's City of York Council election, asking for their backing.

Spokeswoman Jo Maguire said: "We are looking at positive moves to make things better, so people have more access to sports facilities.

"We have been talking to various groups, such as Active York, and what we want to do is get all candidates to sign up to a York manifesto for sport."

The manifesto asks all prospective councillors to agree to actively support:

* A city centre replacement of the Barbican swimming pool and other sports facilities.

* Opening up more schools and private sports facilities to the people of York.

* A sports information centre that provides comprehensive information and publicity on sports and leisure opportunities in York.

* Genuine consultation with the people of York concerning their sports needs.

* An ambitious long-term plan to develop sport in York to take advantage of the interest which will be generated by the Olympics.

Ms Maguire said the group had no affiliation to any one party, but wanted a consensual approach to improving facilities.

She said: "We are aware there is not enough money for sports in local authorities. The council do not put enough money into it, but they are in a difficult situation, because the Barbican was run down by Labour before that."

Dave Merrett, the council's Labour leader, said he had yet to look at the sports manifesto in detail, but said: "We are sympathetic with a lot of the aims of the group."

Coun Merrett said several of the demands were consistent with the Labour manifesto, particularly on increasing availability of schools' sports facilities.

He said: "We are very keen on that. When we did the PFIs (private finance initiatives) for Hob Moor and others, we envisaged those being used for community use, and we are very disappointed that does not seem to be happening, beyond about 6pm."