THE fight to save Temple Cowley Pools looks doomed after Oxford City Council officers recommended building a new £16.8m facility in Blackbird Leys.

Temple Cowley would be demolished, under the scheme.

Oxford City Council officers have recommended the Blackbird Leys option – one of three possibilities for swimming provision in the south east of the city that will be outlined at a public meeting tomorrow night.

The council will make the final decision in September, but deputy leader Ed Turner said today Blackbird Leys was the only viable way forward.

The public meeting on the options will be held tomorrow at Oxford Town Hall from 7pm.