Blackpool Council closed the Cherry Tree Road facility earlier this summer amid claims it was outdated and under used.

But Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has launched a petition in his new campaign to reopen the pool – calling it "a community asset".

He said: "It's bizarre at a time when so much effort is being put on public health and obesity by the Government, local councils and health authorities that Blackpool Council should be closing a pool which could help us do this.

"More than 100 people have already signed a petition to review St George's and keep it as a community asset and I'm asking the authority, in light of new Government funding and initiatives, to think again."

Mr Marsden also questioned the amount of swimming space which would be left at the remaining pools at Palatine Leisure Centre on St Annes Road and at Moor Park in Bispham.

"There simply won't be the capacity to take up all this extra money for swimming at Palatine. Many people on Mereside and elsewhere have already said St George's pool is a valuable resource to the area, which should not be lost," he added.

The MP said the Government had offered £100,000 to Blackpool Council to give free swimming to both over 60s and under 16s, which could be used by swimming clubs and to encourage people to take up the sport.

But council leader, Coun Peter Callow today hit back, saying Mr Marsden was "flogging a dead horse".

"The pool was rundown and has now closed," he said.

"Not many people used it and there were no facilities for spectators. We have alternatives with much better facilities and most swimming groups recognise that."

He also laid into the MP, accusing Mr Marsden of being "behind the times" and claiming the MP was trying to use the campaign for political purposes.

"He's flogging a dead horse and with the national situation he is probably looking for a vote winner," Coun Callow said.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures and he is probably trying to hang on to his seat."

Mr Marsden will now write to Coun Tony Williams, the cabinet member responsible for leisure activities, to detail his objections to the closure.

- Get petition details at www. gordonmars den.co.uk/pool