MEMBERS of swimming club dating back more than 40 years have organised a public meeting to oppose its possible closure.

Whitehill Swimming Pool was one of several leisure centres earmarked for potential closure in a leaked council budget, published by the Evening Times.

Following the launch of a petition, which has attracted over 2300 signatures in less than a week, the group is holding a meeting to discuss their next steps with the public and elected officials.

Elaine Lawrie, who is spearheading the campaign, has been a member of the club for more than 35 years.

The Whitehill swimming pool committee member said a potential closure could negatively impact the health of residents from Dennistoun and the wider Glasgow area.

She added: “It’s something that’s too big to use.

“We all panicked. We’re all voluntary so what we do, we do for the children.

“We’ve got around 20 staff members, 10 of those are committee and we have people who have been there over 30 years.

“We don’t get paid and the majority do it on their own time including organising classes. It’s something that we feel is very important.

“The children travel from everywhere, including Maryhill because we’re the cheapest lessons in the city because we’re private and it’s entirely voluntary. It’s like a family.

“We had 300 pantomime seats for the children. If the club closed, there’s people who wouldn’t be able to afford to go elsewhere.”

As previously reported by the Evening Times, charges for bulk uplift collections, an increase in street parking costs and bin collections every three weeks are being considered to save Glasgow City Council cash this year.

Barlia Sports Centre, Bellahouston Bowls, Drumchapel Pool, Lister Street Bowls, Whitehill Pool, Greenfield, Ruchill Golf, Haghill, Ibrox, John Paul, Lochend and Stepford are all listed for possible closure.

Elaine added: “We want to voice our opinion to the extent that they’ll think again and realise how much of an impact this will have on everyone.

“We want to tell them – think again and go elsewhere to save money.”

A meeting to discuss the plans will be held as part of the Dennistoun Community Council meeting tonight at 7pm in Dennistoun Library.