Communities across Glasgow are tonight coming together to fight against the possible closure of Whitehill Swimming Pool.

Dennistoun Community Council is urging concerned residents to a public meeting tonight at 7pm at Whitehill Secondary School.

This comes after what they called "phenomenal outpouring of feeling within our community" ahead of Glasgow City Council’s budget vote on 21 February.

A leaked council budget, seen by the Evening Times, showed that the pool which has around 200 full-time members is one of several local services facing the chop as part of cuts.

Read more: Glasgow City Council budget: Leaked document shows potential cuts for 2019

The pool has been a community club since 1977 and community campaigners are desperate to see it stay open for many years to come.

So far, almost 4,000 people have signed a petition by Whitehill Swimming Club to save the community pool.

A spokesperson for Save Whitehill Pool said: “We've discovered this week that our local pool is actually used by 26 schools across the city. 

“All of our campaign group are regulars of the pool and we've been collecting stories from people about why they use the pool. 

“My own son had started learning to swim there. As a family without a car he is worried we won't be able to travel to another location for lessons. He wants to become a strong and confident swimmer at Whitehill. Others have told how important the pool and gym is for both their mental and physical health.”

Read moreOver 1,500 sign petition to save East End swimming pool

Lauren Bennie, Community Councillor and Chairperson of Dennistoun Community Council, said:

“Tonight’s Public Meeting has been called in response to the phenomenal outpouring of feeling within our community to leaked reports about an apparent costing exercise which includes consideration of closures to Whitehill Pool, Glasgow Club Haghill and Alexandra Park Golf Course in our Community Council ward.

"We have come together to oppose these proposals, to maintain our community’s active lifestyles and to encourage everyone in the community to join us from 7pm this evening to lend your support, expertise and loud voices to the campaign. If any residents are unable to attend visit www.dennistouncc.org.uk for updates and follow Bolt FM for the radio broadcast. Please also sign the petition and join 3813 of us who oppose any closure to our local sports facilities.

"In the last seven days, Dennistoun Community Council has been inundated with representations from other community groups, faith centres, local business owners offering venues for meetings, fundraising experts, academics and housing associations all ready to assist the campaign."

On top of the massive public backlash against the move, Glasgow politicians from all major parties have attacked the move.

Annie Wells, Conservative MSP said: “Glasgow City Council should be promoting healthy, active lifestyles among our communities. 

“Proposing to close leisure facilities like Whitehill Pool is a massive step in the wrong direction-I’m standing firm with the local community to fight against the closure of this much loved pool.”

The Scottish National Party MSP Ivan McKee said: “Removing a community facility that promotes health and wellbeing in the East End  is not acceptable. I’m in contact with all the appropriate bodies with the aim of ensuring that the option to close is removed and Whitehill Pool stays open.”

Labour MP for Glasgow North, Paul Sweeney, raised the pool closure in Parliament last week. He said:

“Andrea Leadsom tells me she is ‘sorry to hear’ about cuts. Not so sorry it prevented her and her Tory government inflicting a savage austerity programme. 

“Scottish Government cuts hurt just as much as the Westminster variety. Glasgow City Council need to stand up to the Scottish Government and protect local amenities.”

The meeting will be held tonight between 7pm and 9pm in the auditorium at Whitehill Secondary School, 280 Onslow Drive, G31 2QF.