THE future of Sheerness Swimming Pool appears to be secure after Swale Borough Council pledged £1 million towards its refurbishment over the next two years.

Cllr Chris Boden (Con), the executive member for finance and administration, has given his assurance that the £790,000 set aside for pool refurbishment next year will not be removed from the budget when it is set in March.

He also told councillors at an executive meeting that, unless repair costs spiral out of control, a final £210,000 should be made available to complete the work in 2004/5.

The pledge was welcomed by Islanders who have been campaigning tirelessly to save the dilapidated pool off Royal Road, Sheerness.

Cllr Mike Brown (Lib Dem) said was delighted that the executive committee had taken notice of the views of Sheppey residents.

He said: "The people of Sheppey need this pool and for it to be safe and user friendly. We are pleased that the voices of the public, the Save Our Pool campaigners and local council members have been listened to and that the future of swimming on the Island has been secured."

Libby Tucker, secretary of the Save Our Sheppey Pool campaign, said: "Swimming is not only a highly competitive sport, it is also a family sport and pleasure. It is very important that we keep a pool on Sheppey."