With the clock ticking away on the fight to rescue Abingdon's outdoor pool from extinction, campaigners are to ask the owners to lift the May 31 deadline by which time a viable business plan must be agreed.

But the leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council Jerry Patterson says by the end of May Stop -- Save The Outdoor Pool -- will have had three months. The council is prepared to talk but says it is unlikely the pool will reopen this summer.

Thames Water is the latest target for financial help by Stop in the search for money to help formulate a business plan. Stop reckons a figure of at least £1.5m will be needed to secure the pool's future, but far less to ensure it opens this summer.

The idea is to set up a trust fund into which money would accumulate. Stop is in the process of finalising a letter to be sent to Thames Water, building contractors, supermarkets and a range of other businesses in Abingdon. Schools are to be approached to see if pupils want to support the campaign.

Stop member Tony Legge said: "Thames Water has plans to build a huge reservoir in the area and we think we may be able to secure what is known as planning gain -- a financial contribution towards local schemes from a company involved in developments.

"We will also be seeking support from builders, stores and businesses so that we can set up a trust fund for the long-term future of the pool.

"We have a top accountant helping us formulate a business plan. We are confident that we can save the pool, but the deadline set by the Vale of May 31 is too tight.

"We want the council to lift that bar so the pool can re- open this summer."

Mr Patterson said: "Stop has already had a month and there is another two months for them to prepare a proper business plan. The council is prepared to listen if a plan is acceptable."

He added that he could see no prospect of the pool re-opening this summer, because it was now too late to start preparations.

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