PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is to consult on a proposal to close Narberth swimming pool as of April 1 2014.

Cabinet voted in favour of undertaking a consultation on the pool’s future at a meeting on Monday (December 2).

Shutting the 40-year-old pool at Narberth would save the county council £126,000 a year, as it looks to save £20m over the next two years.

A report by the council’s director of finance and leisure, Mark Lewis, states that Narberth pool was 'coming to the end of its economic life' and admission numbers were also falling.

Paid admissions in 2012/13 were 40,648 from 47,835 in 2009/10, while total admissions (including free swimming) were 51,510 and 53,824 respectively.

“The availability of capacity at alternative leisure facilities in Tenby and Crymych would enable customers to continue to be supported, albeit at a different location,” the report added.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting, council leader Cllr Jamie Adams said: “I think we need to be very clear on our position in the financial context. We are under an enormous amount of pressure to deliver £20m of savings over the next two years.

“While we want to provide the opportunity to swim, we cannot provide that opportunity in every town centre.”

Cllr David Simpson said: “I think it’s up to the people of Narberth to form an action group, to maybe take over the pool as a community. I would like to see other options before we turn the key on this next April.”

Cllr Adams told members there were private sector opportunities as well.

Narberth Councillor Wynne Evans expressed his disappointment at the cabinet decision.

"I am disappointed that the pool issue is now in consultation,” he said. “I urge everyone as individuals to participate in this process to send a decisive message to the council that the pool is valued by all the community, and has many years of use left."