Swimmers are preparing to take the plunge for the reopening of Abingdon's open air pool on Saturday morning - 15 months after it was closed in a council economy drive.

But there's been a warning that it could sink into troubled waters again unless people and businesses make better use of it. Mayor Peter Green has issued a blunt warning: Use it or lose it.

He said: "The public wanted the pool saved and the town council responded. We have stepped up our annual subsidy and with support from the Vale of White Horse District Council the pool is back."

Although the town council has pledged financial support for five years, there will be an annual review in the autumn to check progress. Mr Green said: "The pool is not guaranteed for five years. If attendances are poor, costs rise and should any major expense arise then the council would have to review the position.

"But we must be optimistic. The campaign to save the pool showed how strong the feeling was in the town and I am sure we can succeed. Now let's keep our fingers crossed for a sunny summer."

The heated pool closed at the end of the season in September 2004 and was shut last year after the owners, the Vale council, pulled the plug, blaming lack of use and rising costs. Council leader Jerry Patterson said every swim needed a subsidy of £5.42 "plus a packet of crisps."

The closure decision triggered outrage in the town and a group of enthusiasts formed Stop, Save The Outdoor Pool. A petition was raised and a public meeting held condemning the council's decision and plans for a free interactive water feature to replace the pool.

The town council threw the pool a lifeline by pledging an increase in its annual subsidy from £14,000 to £35,000 a year for five years. The Vale came up with £70,000 to improve facilities and recommission the pool.

The Stop campaign has since reformed itself into the Friends of Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool.

The long-term aim, says secretary Michael Bloom, is to "help the pool thrive, develop and dispel any future possibility of closure."

The Friends will work in conjunction with the two councils and Soll Leisure, the charitable trust organisation operating the pool. The Friends' target is to raise numbers of bathers from around 4,500 in its last year to 12,000 this year and eventually to 16,000 the peak attendance achieved in 1998.

A joint ceremonial ribbon-cutting to declare the pool reopened will be performed on Saturday morning by Mr Green and the chairman of the Vale council, Julie Mayhew Archer.