ABINGDON could lose its outdoor swimming pool in a major refurbishment of Abbey Meadow.

Vale of White Horse District Council is asking residents to chose between three new scenarios, two of which see the pool scrapped.

The council says it wants to improve the area to attract more visitors.

In "Scenario A", pool, changing rooms and toilets would be refurbished, but the council said those works to be expensive, limiting what else could be done.

Under Scenario B the Vale would invest in a new riverside cafe or restaurant but the pool would close.

Under Scenario C, the pool would be closed and much of the meadow transformed into "flexible green space" for various of different activities.

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In that case the council would consider creating a new amphitheatre or outdoor performance space, a pop-up cafe and multi-purpose games area.

Abingdon Town Council leader Sandy Lovatt said he had "no strong feelings about the pool" but was glad to see the Vale giving people the chance to decide.

Mr Lovatt, who also sits on the Vale, said: "Usage of the pool isn't really that strong, it's only open from May to September, but it is really up to the public to decide.

"What's important is that Abbey Meadow becomes a better-used facility for everybody.

"I am very pleased with the way officers are dealing with this survey."

He said he particularly liked the proposal for a new restaurant, adding: "You aught to be able to sit in there and relax more."

The open-air pool was saved from closure in 2006 by a campaign backed by Abingdon Town Council and Abingdon Herald.

The Vale closed the pool for a year in 2005 to save money, but the town council, impressed by public opinion, increased its annual grant from £14,000 to £35,000, and the Vale council provided £70,000 to improve facilities.

In September, the Vale contracted a new firm, London-based GLL, to run the pool along with 10 other leisure centres.

The Vale drew up its scenarios after discussions with town community groups and school pupils last year.

The council is asking residents to pick the scenario they would prefer before Tuesday, April 7.

Town councillor Mike Badcock, chairman of the Vale, said: "I think it is expensive for what it is but I think a lot of people enjoy it."

The scenarios will also be on display in the Bury Street Community Shop between March 23 and 28, when members of the Abbey Meadow project team will also be on hand if people wish to find out more.

The results of the consultation will be published in the summer.

The council's cabinet will then consider which scenario to take forward for development, subject to planning and other constraints.

Councillor Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “While Abbey Meadow is a wonderful place to spend time there’s a lot more that could happen there to help bring visitors to the area and allow it to be used more throughout the year. "

To find out more, visit tinyurl.com/AbbeyMeadow.