The organiser of a petition launched to try and save the former HMS Ganges swimming pool from demolition has urged people to sign before it is too late.

Shotley villager Colin Darroch has put the online petition up via Change.org with an initial target of reaching 100 signatures after developers confirmed they would be taking down the building which uses the indoor swimming pool.

But he accepts it is race against time as developers are closet knocking down the 87=year-old building.

Mr Darroch told Nub News: "If the pool is to be saved it is imperative that there is support for that to happen. The petition is a way to allow people to show this and I would ask that anyone with an interest in saving the swimming pool signs it please.

"The first step must be to save the building. Thereafter as a community, hopefuly with the full support of councillors and the developer, we can agreed the best route to take. But to save the building must be the number one priority. Time is critical and the clock is ticking, we must act now, as a starting point I would encourage everyone to sign the petition."

Both building and the Olympic sized pool are in serious disrepair and permission has been granted for the demolition after a deal was made between developers Haylink Ltd and Shotley Parish Council to not use the £40,000 earmarked for a survey, but instead for it to go into the parish council's account, once the payments are due. (Read report here.)

Mr Darroch has dragged at a parish council meeting last month that the pool should not be demolished and it was agreed the council would ask the developers if they would consider not knocking it down and allowing the community to try and have it.

Haylink responded by saying that was too late as plans were well-advanced but have offered to find another plant of land within the site for a community group to raise enough funds to build a new swimming pool and take on the running of the centre.

Former soldier Mr Darroch argues demolishing the existing building would be a waste and said: "It has the potential to be a truly outstanding facility for the local community, the region and the country providing a lasting legacy for current and future generations.

"It would provide a fitting vibrant living memorial to the young sailors who spent many hours training within the building, and for those who have sadly passed.

"In a time when the national government is promoting health and well-being, what a beacon of light it would be if saved and refurbished and what a tragedy if it is allowed to be demolished.

"What an attractive proposition and draw it would be for future residents to have a facility like this on the door steps of their new homes."

Permission was granted in March2015 for the former Royal Navy Training Establishment, which then became Eurosport's centre, then used for police training, to build 285 houses, a small hotel, care home along with retail and business units.

Mr Darroch plans to see the completed petition to Babergh District Council. You can sign the petition here...

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