SEVERAL of Swindon’s Olympic swimmers have spoken out against the closure of the smaller pool at the Health Hydro facility.

Last month Greenwich Leisure Limited, operating under its Better brand, announced the pool, which has been used by thousands of residents learning to swim over the years, had been closed after developing a leak.

It was announced that it would not be re-opening and users have reacted with anger with almost 1,500 people signing a petition calling on the company to reverse its decision.

Now Jazz Carlin, who confirmed her place on the Great Britain swimming team for Rio 2016 this week, has urged people to come together to save the pool where she first learnt to swim.

On Thursday, she tweeted: “I need your help..they are planning to close the pool where I learnt to swim, please sign&help the next generation.”

Grant Turner, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2010, also used the facility when he was younger and has urged GLL to reconsider.

“I was in shock when I found out,” said the former Olympian.

“When I was learning with the Tigersharks that was one of the main pools we used. The Health Hydro is a wonderful set-up because children and people who aren’t confident swimmers can learn before moving over to the bigger pool.

“There are other pools in Swindon but with Next Generation also closing there are fewer and fewer places to go.

“Swindon has a rich history with swimming and it would be a shame to lose that if all the pools started closing.”

It is not only the sporting aspect which concerns Grant but also the skills and opportunities for young people living in the town.

He said: “Swimming is the only sport which can also save lives. If pools keep closing then many children will not learn this basic skill which in 2016 is shocking.

“I was lucky because my parents took me swimming regularly which gave me something to focus on and kept me out of trouble. If pools keep closing we will lose that.

“I understand money is an important aspect of decision making but it should not be at the forefront.”

Last month GLL said that due to the costs and disruption which would be caused by any repairs, they would not be carried out.

A spokesman said: “It is with great reluctance that we have made the decision to decommission the small pool.

“We have reconfigured the main pool to accommodate the bulk of the small pool’s programme and are also working to synchronise the Hydro’s pool timetable with other Better centres within Swindon, to ensure there are maximum opportunities to swim for local residents.”