SENIOR opposition councillors are to put the York Barbican swimming pool consultation directly under the microscope.

Labour group leader Dave Merrett, deputy leader Viv Kind and shadow executive member for leisure and heritage Alan Jones have "called in" the recent consultation.

A decision to build a community pool was set to be rubber-stamped at Tuesday's executive meeting.

But the issue will now be discussed in detail at Thursday's strategic policy panel meeting, a body made up of top councillors from the Labour and Liberal Democrat groups.

The consultation asked York residents whether they would prefer a county standard pool, or the smaller community pool, at the refurbished Barbican. Those taking part backed a community pool, with 51 per cent in favour.

Labour members have questioned whether the narrow numbers in favour of a community pool is strong enough public backing for it to be built.

Coun Jones said: "We have serious reservations about the extent and reliability of this consultation exercise, and are very concerned that the results are intended to be used as a mandate for a significant decision which will affect the whole community.

"This is chance to build a county pool will not come round again for a long time. It is not something a private body will do, only a local authority would do it."

But Keith Orrell, City of York Council's executive member for leisure and heritage, stood by the consultation.

He said: "We consulted as widely as we could. The people involved in the last consultation were included, it was on the website, there were a variety of ways for people to tell us their views. We think it was a good consultation. One thing we managed this time that was not done previously was that people were able to fill in their names and addresses on the consultation form. We think that was a valuable extra option."

Mark Hill, Green councillor for Fishergate, which includes the Barbican, has previously criticised the consultation as "flawed".

Thursday's meeting is at the Guildhall from 4.30pm.

Updated: 10:10 Saturday, September 13, 2003