November is the most likely date when a decision will be made on the future of Abingdon's closed outdoor swimming pool.

The pool's owners, the Vale of White Horse District Council, had hoped to make an announcement next month once tenders from three leisure companies to run a reopened pool had been considered.

But not all tenders were received and the council's executive said an October deadline was too tight for recommendations to be drawn up.

Joyce Hutchinson, executive member with responsibility for leisure and recreation, said: "The tenders from the leisure companies are key to the pool's future, and it would be wrong to hurry into making a decision. Despite what some people say, the council is anxious to see a future for the pool -- but there are important financial considerations that need close scrutiny so we cannot go too quickly. "

The council has said if the quotations are "reasonable" and the figure does not break through the council's budget-saving target, the pool's future looks bright.

A major factor is the intervention of Abingdon Town Council who increased its annual subsidy from £14,000 to £35,000.

The Vale has accepted in principle the town counci's offer, subject to tenders from leisure companies.

The council also wants a more detailed assessment of how much it will cost to reopen the pool and carry out a survey on its condition.

The pool is more than 50 years old but is believed to be in good structural shape.

The town council says it is prepared to provide £35,000 annually towards the operation of the pool including any commissioning costs.

The offer covers an initial period of five years, including any rise in inflation.

But the council insists there will be "no open cheque."

In addition the town council is to pay £14,000 to the district council as soon as capital works on the pool, including work to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, get under way.