SWIMMERS say they are disgusted at the state of an outdoor swimming pool saved by the community five years ago.

Abbey Meadows Pool in Abingdon has been hit by a bloom in algae – made worse than usual by the hot weather – that swimmers say is putting them off.

The open-air pool in Abbey Close was closed in 2005 after a round of Vale of White Horse District Council budget cuts.

But a fierce public campaign, backed by Abingdon Town Council and the Oxford Mail’s sister paper The Abingdon Herald, helped it reopen the following year.

The town council increased its annual grant from £14,000 to £35,000, and the Vale came up with £70,000 to improve facilities and recommission the pool.

Pensioner Liese Cattle, 76, from Coopers Lane, Abingdon, said she was pleased the pool continued to offer people a healthy outdoor experience but was horrified at the state of it.

She said: “The pool is filthy. It does not appear to have been cleaned or painted or relined.

“There is moss and slime round the sides and a murky grey mould across much of the bottom.

“It looks truly disgusting and may even be a health hazard. I also could not tell if the pool had been properly chlorinated.

“It is an affront to ask anyone to pay to swim there.”

Swimmer Joan Damerell, 76, from Godfrey Close, added: “It is certainly worse than it ever has been and I have been swimming here for 43 years.

“People who don’t use it often might be put off by it, but not those who enjoy swimming.

“I certainly feel better swimming at Hinksey open air pool in Oxford as it is cleaner.

Last night, Abingdon Town Council chairman Lesley Legge moved to reassure swimmers, saying the water quality was up to scratch.

She said: “I was there the first day it opened this year and I was concerned that the edging was not as clear as one would like.

“I understand peoples’ concerns, but I have been assured that the water quality is fine, and we hope people are using it, especially in this lovely weather.

“We are keeping an eye on the quality of water.”

Vale district council spokesman Gavin Walton added: “In the days leading up to the opening of the Abbey Meadows Pool towards the end of May a noticeable amount of algae appeared round the sides of the pool tank.

“This problem is very typical with older outdoor pools.

“However it has been made worse this year as a result of the prolonged sunshine, which intensifies the rate at which algae grows.

“While the algae may not look pleasant, we can confirm that it does not pose any risk whatsoever to swimmers and that the pool continues to meet all required health and safety standards.

“Staff at the pool are continuing to keep the area as algae-free as possible while also maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and safety at the facility.”

Pool manager Matthew Pill urged swimmers to continue to support the facility.

He said: “Plenty of people have come in and said how good and how nice it is.”