Labour say that it is now the only hope of seeing any further public access swimming in the city for years to come, after the current administration's failures on swimming provision, which date back years.

Labour leisure spokesperson, Coun. Sonja Crisp said:

"We have given this a great deal of consideration and believe it is the only way forward in the current climate, whilst retaining our full commitment to a city centre swimming pool. We are doing the responsible thing in supporting publicly accessible swimming provision when it is so badly needed.

"The critical factor for Labour is that the legal agreement is right and that both the University and the Council knows exactly what to expect over the first 25 years of the pool's life. It must be remembered that what the council is doing here is contributing a capital sum in return for 25 years of proper community access. If the legal aspects of this deal are right, we will give the deal our full backing".

Labour leader Coun. James Alexander met with Pro Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Heaps this week to seek assurances on a number of outstanding concerns for his Group. And Coun. Crisp revealed how discussions with the University have helped to allay some of Labour's concerns over the pool, including adequate facilities for disabled users. She said:

"I raised the issue of the number of disabled toilets at a recent Steering Group meeting and I'm pleased to say that the University, after discussions with us, has agreed to alter plans to increase this provision.

"It has also given assurances over public access, pricing and transport which we feel will make it somewhere that many residents, on the east side of York particularly, will want to use. These guarantees in return for the capital contribution come after recent discussions when the original planned £2m contribution by the Lib Dem Council would not have achieved the same for residents. It is a positive step forward.

"We are aware of a campaign by a local resident in Heslington to improve the conditions of access for the public and we fully support that campaign. This pool needs the public to use it and we are confident the University's approach to access and pricing will reflect that".

"Our commitment to a central pool is unwavering and remains one of our key priorities for the council, and is one we hope to have more influence over following the May 2011 local elections".