IPSWICH: The future of Broomhill Pool in Ipswich could become clearer after a crucial vote later this month.

The borough’s executive is to decide which five options to pursue over the future of the pool – and this could pave the way for an external operator to come in and transform it.

Campaigners hoping to see the pool reopen have taken out a full-page advert in today’s Evening Star calling on the executive to support Option One which would back an external operator’s proposal to take over the pool and restore it.

Other options include demolishing it, reducing its size, mothballing it, or converting it into a dry play area.

Members of the pressure group savebroomhillpool.org are writing to members of the executive urging them to back the move.

Their letter says: “I call upon IBC Executive to do the right thing and choose OPTION 1 putting the �1m budgeted guarantee to optimum use.

“I urge you to secure this bid as it would represent an outstanding return for the people of Ipswich, plus outsourcing of operational costs and liabilities to a leading operator.”

Borough leisure spokeswoman Bryony Rudkin said the meeting would not be deciding the final fate of the pool – if it did go for option one it would then need to start the formal tendering process to find an operator.

And it would also need to seek Heritage Lottery Funding for such a bid.

She said: “There is still some way to go but this could be a significant decision and we would hope to be able to move forward in the New Year.”

Campaigners are hoping that Fusion Leisure, which runs lidos across the country, will come in and take on the pool.

As well as a pool they hope to set up a fitness suite and cafe on the site – and also possibly move Westbourne Library into the development which would be open all year round.

The pool would be heated and could be open for a longer season than was the case before it closed nine years ago.

n What should happen to Broomhill pool? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

n Opinion –page 6

n Campaigners’ ad – page 11