A VANDAL-HIT swimming pool that has lain derelict for 11 years could be demolished to make way for a £3million community centre - if people power wins the day.

A VANDAL-HIT swimming pool that has lain derelict for 11 years could be demolished to make way for a £3million community centre - if people power wins the day.

Residents have formed a regeneration group to kickstart the proposed development in Netherton, near Anniesland, Glasgow.

They hope to take the dilapidated Temple swimming pool out of the hands of owner Glasgow City Council and run a new facility under community ownership.

The group has £9000 to consult local people about what kind of facility they want in place of the Knightscliffe Avenue pool.

Built in the 1960s, the pool was shut in 1997 by the council, which claimed it was underused. Shutters and metal doors were put up to make it wind and water tight.

But it has been hit by vandals and fireraisers and residents say it is a "dangerous" eyesore.

Joe Barr, 55, chairman of Netherton Community Regeneration Group, is aiming to have architects in place within the year to start drawing up plans for a community centre.

Mr Barr said: "Youths have been climbing over the pool and setting the building on fire. It is getting to the point where the building is dangerous and unsound. Something has to be done now.

"It is a guess figure, but £3m is a conservative estimate to build a new centre. Community ownership would let us access more funding."

The regeneration group, made up of members of North Temple Community Council as well as other interested groups and the city council, believe young people in Temple, Anniesland, Knightswood South and Blairdardie would especially benefit from a new sports hall.

Paul Smith is project leader of Temple Shafton Youth Project - which provides activities for around 160 young people every week - in The Hut, a separate timber framed building next to Temple pool.

The Hut was set on fire in November and had to have its entire back wall replaced at a cost of £12,000.

Mr Smith, 48, said: "We want to start an under-10 football team next year, but the facilities in The Hut are not good enough. We are desperate for a new building."

A council spokesman said: "Interested parties are considering a feasibility study. Discussions are at a very early stage."