CHILDREN laid a wreath and flowers at the site of the boarded-up Sydonia Swimming Pool as a new protest group made a bid to set the agenda in the Leominster pool controversy.

"We want a decision from Herefordshire Council within six months," said John Everett, a spokesman for 'We Want Our Pool'.

The group, formed after a recent public meeting of 300 people, says both the new-build and Sydonia repair options should be examined.

There was no need for campaigners to get 'bogged down' by backing one option or the other at this stage, said Mr Everett.

They were looking for a clear statement of intent from the council, more information and much more consultation.

Rallying point

John Everett added: "There is a lot of impatience at the lack of progress and everyone is really fired up - we are taking this campaign to all the villages. Sydonia served a huge area of this county for more than half a century."

Representatives of WWOP hope to be allowed inside Sydonia - closed by the council more than 15 months ago on health and safety grounds - to inspect it and gain some idea of the condition of the pool.

Last night, Wednesday, a second public meeting was being held at Leominster British Legion Club as the Hereford Times went to press.

A major rally is being planned at the Sydonia site on July 5 and a poster campaign and petition is being launched.

A mass of protestors is expected to lobby Herefordshire Council when members debate the pool issue on July 24.

The petition will be presented at the Hereford meeting.