TOWN councillors have agreed to put more cash towards a scheme to save Highworth's threatened outdoor pool.

But fundraisers trying to prevent the lido from closing are angry because the money will be paid in instalments over five years.

The council has already earmarked £50,000 for the ambitious project to build a roof over the pool at Highworth Recreation Centre. Now, members have agreed to put another £50,000 towards the scheme, which will cost a total of £800,000. The fund will receive £10,000 a year over five years.

Phil Baker, chairman of High-worth Recreation Trust, welcomed the extra money, but wants the council to pay it in one go.

He said: "We welcome the further money, however we are deeply saddened that the payment is spread over five years, and we urge the council to reconsider its decision.

"We are disappointed they still do not seem to appreciate the urgency of the situation. If we are to achieve our goal, then it is vital that our town council takes a really positive lead so other potential investors will be encouraged. This decision makes the job of the trustees even more difficult."

But town mayor and council leader Ken Poulton defended the decision. Coun Poulton said the council could not afford to give all the money at once.

He said: "Over the last eight years, the precept in Highworth has increased by nearly 90 per cent, which is astronomical. We had to be very careful about this decision, and councillors voted almost unanimously to do it this way.''

So far, the trustees have raised £320,000. It is hoped that most of the money needed will come from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.

Planning permission for the roof, which would be retractable to allow for open air swimming during the summer, was granted in September. The pool has also been the frequent target of vandal attacks. It is hoped the roof will make it more secure.

Without the roof, trustees say the pool could close because at present it only generates an income during the summer months.