The closure of York's Barbican Pool would pull the plug on a 90-year-old man's "only bit of pleasure and exercise".

Andrew Sykes, from the Fulford Road area of the city, swims five days a week, only missing sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mr Sykes said he started going to the Barbican Pool only a year after it opened in 1976. He now swims about a quarter of a mile each day, though he used to do a lot more.

But he was dismayed by the prospect of the pool shutting, which is an option being considered by City of York Council.

"I've been going there that long and I'm getting that old that I don't want to start going anywhere else," he said.

"It's the only bit of pleasure and exercise I get."

He was sure the swimming had done him good, both to get to his age and to still feel healthy.

"You get tired when you get older, but I'm still knocking about," he added.

But he didn't know what he would do if the pool closed.

One of the reasons the council says that the Barbican Pool is being considered for closure is an estimated £3.4 million refurbishment bill.

A briefing paper adds: "The pool suffers from a very dated appearance. There are concerns about the reliability of the pool plant, pipe work and ventilation systems. There are also concerns about the structural steel work, floor slab and roof tiles. There is very poor disabled access to this part of the building."

The Yearsley Pool, which is also under threat, is said to need a "minimum investment of £250,000", while the Edmund Wilson Pool, which is not being considered for closure, is said to need a £200,000-plus investment.

If you wish to support the Evening Press Save Our Swim Campaign to protect both

the Barbican and Yearsley Pools please write to us at: Evening Press Newsdesk, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or email us at newsdesk@ycp.co.uk.

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