Campaigners from Whitehill Pool have accused Glasgow council of shunning communities if the closure of the pool goes ahead.

This comes after Glasgow City council approved a £15 million bid to host the International Cycling World Championships in 2023.

Whitehill Pool in Dennistoun was one of several venues which was listed for potential closure in a leaked budget seen the Evening Times.

Since then campaigners and political groups have been fighting to keep the community pool open.

Read more: Whitehill Pool will require a ‘significant sum’ for upgrade

Campaigners are calling for the millions of pounds to be used to protect the facilities around Glasgow including Alexandra Park Golf Course.

They also claim that the costs to maintain and upgrade Whitehill pool would be much lower than the proposed £4 million, as the proposal included unnecessary upgrades such as a ‘sprung studio dancefloor.’

Over 4,200 people have signed the campaign’s petition and 300 concerned community members attended a recent meeting hosted by the Dennistoun Community Council. 

Glasgow City Council is set to decide its budget on 21 February.

A Save Whitehill Pool spokesperson said: “It’s great that Glasgow is renowned for hosting international sporting events, but the Council’s priority must be the protection of local facilities for the use of local communities. Not events which will only last for a limited period and local people can’t participate in.

"There has to be a lasting ‘Commonwealth Legacy’ in Glasgow’s east end for local communities to benefit like we were promised.

“If the Council’s repair estimates are correct – which they likely aren’t – then the money for the bid could be used to repair the Pool almost four times over.

Read more: Community to blast Glasgow City Council over pool closure

“If the leaked cuts do go ahead, there would be no excuse. The Council would be shunning communities in favour of prestige and professional athletes.

“The fact that the Scottish Government is considering funding the event means they should also be able to provide Glasgow with additional funding to protect our facilities.

“We appreciate that the event will bring in revenue, but revenues should be used to benefit local people and develop local sporting talent. If communities don’t gain from these events, what’s the point?”

The Save Whitehill Pool campaign meets every Wednesday from 6:30pm at the St Andrew's East Church on Alexandra Parade.