A GOUROCK councillor says the extension to the swimming season at the town’s historic outdoor pool is long overdue.

Chris McEleny is delighted that it will stay open for an extra four weeks and believes the move will provide a big boost to locals and visitors alike.

Mr McEleny has repeatedly argued that the pool, which was originally scheduled to shut on September 4, closes too early each year.

Operators Inverclyde Leisure had rejected calls to keep it open for longer because it doesn’t make enough money.

But the council, which owns the facility, have agreed to fund a £15,000 trial to keep it open until the end of next month.

Mr McEleny said: “Gourock Pool is a great asset that helps support so many of the things we are trying to achieve — like bringing more visitors to the area, boosting the trade of the local businesses that benefit from it, and improving the health and wellbeing of people in Inverclyde.”

Councillors on the policy and resources committee rubber-stamped the move on Tuesday after more than 400 people signed a petition calling for an extension.

Cllr McEleny said: “Inverclyde Leisure are proposing reduced opening hours, however these need to be the right times to make sure as many people as possible benefit.

“I would urge them to continue the existing opening hours at the weekend in the morning and even consider keeping the pool open later than 4.30pm as well as ensuring the pool is open late enough at night so that local clubs and users can benefit.

“This pilot is long overdue and I hope that the new extension into September makes waves across the area so that next year we can make the case for the pool opening even earlier in the season."