A DEDICATED Barry teacher who has spearheaded the 'Save the Knap Pool' campaign is to meet the local MP for crucial talks.

Former Knap lifeguard Gerwyn Pugh is to sit down with John Smith to talk about the future of the crumbling lido.

The 32-year-old told the News: "I know Mr Smith is interested in solving the Knap Pool problem. He even did a few sponsored swims some years ago when the site first faced closure.

"Perhaps he can now help move the campaign on and at last, we might see some action." Gerwyn, who lives at Park Crescent, says he appreciates that the Knap cannot be returned to its former glory, but feels there is still a need for an open-air pool in the town, even if it is only a small one.

He said: "I know many people will support the idea of a lido, even if it has to be subsidised by the council. Why does everything have to be profit making, anyway? As a teacher, I am well aware of how children think and to say they would not be interested in an open-air pool is ridiculous.

"It's no secret that Cosmeston Lake is extremely busy during the warmer months of the year. And it won't be long before there is a fatality over the Waterfront. Children are drawn towards water and without supervision, as there was at the Knap, anything can happen."

Gerwyn also agrees that the whole area needs a major revamp and supports the much mooted 'holistic solution.'.

He said: "The state of the pool is bad enough, so that needs to be looked at. But so does the whole area - or is this to fall into rack and ruin as well?"

Now he hopes John Smith MP has some answers.

Gerwyn concluded: "I'm sure people remember the public meeting held in Barry Leisure Centre four years ago. The Vale council promised the people of Barry the pool would be kept for its original purpose and maintained until funds could be found to re-open it. It's about time they lived up to their promises and I want to ask Mr Smith what he can do about it."

A spokesman for John Smith MP said: "At the earliest possible occasion, Mr Smith will be pleased to meet with Mr Pugh. But what can be done will have to be looked into."