Banbury's outdoor swimming pool could reopen for the 2009 summer season.

The revival of the pool, part of the Woodgreen Leisure Centre, moved a step closer last week after Cherwell District Council's environment and select committee voted in favour of keeping the whole of the Woodgreen site open.

The centre includes the pool, an indoor bowls green, Neithrop Library, a youth club, and rooms that are hired out to clubs and individuals.

The pool has been closed since 2002 because of health and safety problems, and the future of the whole site has been in doubt since it was removed from a project that will see the refurbishment of sports centres across Cherwell - including the building of a new Spiceball.

Cllr David Hughes said: "Costs are a worry, but if we can do it, we should."