SWIMMERS have demanded a pool is kept in Southend town centre at a protest outside Warriors swim centre yesterday.

Hundreds of people have joined a campaign to keep the pool at Warrior Square after Southend Council revealed plans to knock it down and replace it at Garon Park.

Around 30 people took part in the protest, organised by Labour councillor Mike Royston and Tony Borton, the party's candidate for Milton ward.

Mr Royston said: "Ripping the pool out of the heart of the town will damage the economy. Many people come to swim and then shop in the town."

The petition will be presented at a full council meeting on Thursday, April 24.

Mum-of-three Vanessa Elgar, 41, from Boscombe Road, Southend, said: "My children learnt to swim there and so did lots of youngsters."

Her husband Keith Elgar, 49, said: "With the Olympics coming up it is vital we have a pool where people can train."

But the ruling Tory party said the protest was a blatant attempt to gain votes in the upcoming May election.

Councillor David Garston, whose culture portfolio includes sport and fitness, said: "I think councillor Royston is missing the point and the new swimming pool will be in his ward."

The Southend town centre pool will be demolished for redevelopment when a new £10million pool is completed at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre at Garon Park.