9:00am Saturday 23rd May 2009
Residents in St Davids have promised to fight to the end in their bid to save the city's swimming pool, even if it means ‘lying in front of the bulldozers’.
Amid extraordinary scenes, last week's annual AGM of St Davids City Council had to be switched to the City Hall after almost 200 protesters swarmed the public gallery.
The protesters voiced their concerns at what was described as a lack of support from the local council during their battle to save the pool.
“We should mount a public campaign starting tonight and continuing until they bring the bulldozers in,” said Alan York, member of the St Davids Community Pool Users Group.
"At which point we should lie down in the road in front of them. And we expect you as city councillors to be leading it."
During the meeting, which was frequently interrupted by rapturous applause from the gallery, the council agreed to liase with the pool users group and take the issue forward.
The Mayor of St Davids, Councillor Stephanie Halse, who was inducted in at the AGM, said the council would now add its voice to the 'widespread dismay' expressed at Pembrokeshire County Council plans to close the pool.
"On Monday the hall was packed and there were unprecedented scenes of community dissatisfaction" she said.
"We understand current financial pressures, but the possibility of changing decisions and realigning resources in response to community concerns is always open to the county council."
Cllr Halse added letters had been sent to council cabinet members urging them to reconsider the decision.
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