MEN who helped turn the Leigh Sports Village dream into reality will look at ways of securing and expanding leisure activities in Tyldesley.

Tyldesley Pool could be run by a community group as Wigan Council examines ways to ensure public services remain open despite huge spending cuts.

Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club president Mavis Bent has asked fellow MBE award holder Trevor Barton to chair a group and explore whether the Castle Street building, which includes the pool and other facilities, could be turned into a sustainable, not for profit operation.

He'll be joined in that task by Leigh MP Andy Burnham who worked with him from the early stages on the LSV project.

Mrs Bent explained: “It is important that those who live in Astley, Mosley Common, Tyldesley and the east of Atherton have a facility immediately accessible to keep fit and well. The overriding and core objective is to preserve a swimming pool in our area. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole of the voluntary sector to get behind something of real importance for the future.

“We want to form links with schools and doctors and social services to meet our joint objective of healthy life styles. We will have to roll our sleeves up because the start date could well be September.”

Wigan Council Leader, Lord Peter Smith, said: “We must explore every avenue possible to ensure as many services as possible can be salvaged from these deep Government cuts.

"Local communities will have a huge say in how our services are redefined and we will do everything to support them to maintain and foster a community spirit. Tyldesley Swimming Club is a wonderful organisation that has operated for 135 years. If anyone can make this a success I am sure they and the new group can do so.”

Andy Burnham MP said: "Tyldesley Pool has been at the heart of our community for many years and, as MP for Tyldesley, I will give 100% support to the campaign to keep it open.

"It is great news that the Council is giving local people a chance to save it by handing it over to the community. It will take a lot of hard work, and everybody pulling together, but I know we can rise to the challenge.

"This is an exciting opportunity for people in Tyldesley to improve facilities at the heart of the town. As well as save the pool for future generations, I hope we can bring on extra facilities, such as a gym, community cafe or meeting room.

"It really is up to us all what we make of it and I hope as many people as possible will lend their support and get involved. I am honoured to accept the role of President and, together with my good friend Trevor Barton, will do what we can to make the venture a success."

*Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club has been awarded over £4,000 from the Comic Relief fund, administrated by local grant maker charity The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, to help finance pool time and transport.

Group can apply for a grant from the Community Foundation (0161 214 0940) or visit www.communityfoundation.co.uk