CAMPAIGNERS have pledged to continue their fight for a new public swimming pool in Seaham after handing a petition to Downing Street.

Seaham’s New School, New Pool appeal presented a 6,700-signature petition to Prime Minister David Cameron’s office – after earlier having submitted 5,800 names to Durham County Council.

Easington MP Graham Morris, who accompanied members of the campaign to Downing Street, said Seaham School of Technology was due to get a new school under the old Building School’s for the Future programme by the last government.

However, due to the change in Government this scheme was abandoned and their plans were halted.

Funds from central government have now been released to build Seaham’s long overdue new school.

But, but unlike the previous school, it will not include a pool - because of the lack of cash being made available.

Without a pool, current swimming lessons for children will be lost, along with other various groups that use the facility.

Mr Morris said: “I’m always happy to support local residents in their campaigns. The organisers have done a splendid job.

“Swimming is an important life-skill, a great form of exercise and wonderful activity for children to partake in.

“I agreed with the parents. I believe we should have a facility that is at least as good, if not better than the one it is to replace.

"Given that we don’t have a swimming pool, or any facility for young people to learn to swim in Seaham, I think it’s a reasonable request to make.

"Somewhere the size of Seaham should have its own pool, not just for the school but for the broader community.

“I know Seaham Councillor Eddie Bell and others have spent years pushing for a new leisure centre and swimming pool in the town."

He added: “Ultimately the problem here are the huge cuts to local government funding and to the school refurbishment program, imposed by the present Government.

“That’s why I was proud to accompany Seaham residents in delivering this petition to David Cameron in Downing Street.”

Mr Morris said campaigners had since received acknowledgement of the petition has been received.

A Durham County Council spokesman said the authority will consider what can be done regarding the pool as part of a county-wide review of sport and leisure provision.