AFTER the shocking news that Chard's swimming pool is due to close, a councillor has hit out at the "short-sightedness" of the decision.

Cllr Amanda Broom, who is a town councillor and the county councillor for Chard North, was part of a campaign last year which fought for commitments to Cresta swimming pool's future.

Before the suprise announcement from Somerset County Council on Wednesday, Cllr Broom had preparing to seek more assurances from the County Council that Cresta would not be allowed to close.

She said: "I am completely appalled at the short-sightedness of Somerset County Council; I had submitted a question for next weeks council meeting asking for assurances that this would not be allowed to happen.

"How will our children learn to swim now? How will schools afford the transport costs to travel further afield?

"Learning to swim is rightly a legal requirement, how can this closure be justified?

"We have an appalling public transport network already - how will other residents travel further afield? What about the health and wellbeing of our residents?

"This reeks of discrimination against those who most need these kind of facilities."

Somerset County Council is holding a full council meeting on Wednesday (July 18).

Cllr Broom is set to discuss the future of Cresta, and there is also time for public to ask questions.

News reporter Oliver is set to meet with Cllr Broom and members of the public beforehand. If you would like to attend, please meet outside County Hall in Taunton at 9.30am.