MAINTENANCE work to bring a popular Dennistoun swimming pool up to standard could cost up to £5million.

Supporters of the Whitehill Pool have been told by elected officials that a significant amount of funding is required to get the venue, which is managed by Glasgow Life, up to a ‘modern standard’.

The news has exasperated fears that the much-loved community venue could be shut down.

As previously reported by the Evening Times, Whitehill Pool is among several leisure facilities potentially facing closure under leaked budget proposals.

Since the report was published, locals have already created an online petition - which has attracted over 3,400 signatures – and held a public meeting to fight the plans.

Residents have expressed their frustration over the lack of investment in the facility, that has around 200 members, including children with special needs.

Whitehill was granted £161,000 in 2016 to create Changing Places toilets and changing rooms, which are regularly used by Temple Swimming Club – who provide opportunities for disabled members of the community.

The facility is thought to be the joint oldest venue in Glasgow Life portfolio and attracts users from across the city.

Ivan McKee MSP for Glasgow Provan has written to Billy Garret, Director of Sport at Glasgow Life and Joe Fizpatrick MSP, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing regarding the proposed closure, stating that the plays a “crucial role in the health and wellbeing of people in the East End.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow Life said: “A significant sum of money would be required to carry out work on Whitehill swimming pool in order to bring the venue up to a modern standard, however no decisions about budgets and future service provision have been made – and we are continuing to work with Glasgow City Council in this regard.

“We will communicate with customers at the earliest opportunity when decisions on specific facilities or services are made.”