AFTER months of treading water, Banbury's only open air pool has taken a step closer to re-opening.

Cherwell District Council's executive has agreed to appoint a project manager to take the £1.3m scheme forward, which could see townspeople taking a dip in the Woodgreen Leisure Centre pool next year.

Consultants will oversee the finance and design of the scheme. The pool is set to be overhauled later this year. Work includes substantial refurbishment of the pool water treatment plant, and a new tank lining system. Access and the main building will also be improved.

Councillor George Reynolds, Portfolio Holder for Community, Health and Environment, said: "Getting the pool up and running shows the council's commitment to providing facilities for the residents of Banbury and surrounding areas; but especially for those in Ruscote and Neithrop. Having a team of experts oversee the complete refurbishment is the best way forward. It's not a quick fix, but a long term commitment."

The swimming pool, which has been closed since 2003 because of maintenance and insurance problems, had been the subject of a long campaign by the Woodgreen Action Group.

The council at first said the pool would stay shut, but changed its mind last year after CDC's Labour group put forward a rescue plan which forced the controlling the Tory group to announce an improved 'save the pool' proposal.

Banbury Town Council also became involved, offering £50,000 a year towards running costs. The leader of Banbury Town Council, Kieron Mallon, said: "Together with Cherwell, the pool support group and canoe club, we have all worked hard towards the same aim."