The future of Carterton's outdoor swimming pool is in doubt - with closure possible in 2003.

Major repairs are needed, costing around £100,000.

However, a new indoor pool will be built as part of the Carterton leisure centre - conceived as part of the town's new north east development.

Town mayor Joe Walcott said no decisions have been taken on the future of the Swinbrook Road pool.

However, some members of the public have expressed their concerns to the town council.

Caroline Hunt, of Taynton, near Burford, said that it would be a great sadness if the outdoor pool were to shut down.

"Carterton outdoor swimming pool is one of the few amenities where the English summer can be enjoyed by all, as it should be - in the open air, in an atmosphere of simple, relaxing freedom, for all ages and for people from far and wide," she said.

"Some children cannot tolerate the high levels of chlorine and fumes present in indoor pools.

"Nor can families meet, sit on the grass, and let the babies play alongside the teenagers and grandparents in an indoor enclosure."

The outdoor pool was one of three, the others are at Chipping Norton and Woodstock, built in west Oxfordshire in the early 1970s, and only opens in the summer.

All three operate at a loss. Carterton runs at an annual loss of between £20,000 and £25,000, and about half the deficit is paid by Carterton Town Council.

Carterton's leisure centre is expected to open in 2003.

Mr Walcott said: "At the moment we are investigating what the costs and options are.

"When we have done that, we will consult with the public."