WITH the power of prayer behind them, protesters continued their fight to save Temple Cowley Pools yesterday.

Six churches from across Cowley prayed for the campaign at services yesterday morning ahead of The Big Splash, a fundraising swim hosted by the Save Temple Cowley Pools campaign group.

Adults were invited to swim the length of the pool free of charge and make a donation towards the campaign.

Protesters are fighting Oxford City Council plans to close the pool and sell the site for housing.

A replacement swimming pool is due to open at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre in December.

Campaigners have until October 7 to make an offer to the council to take over the Temple Cowley site before a decision is made on its future.

Megan Sharp, nine, from Hollow Way, Cowley, donated £1 to the campaign and said: “It’s the best pool in Oxford.

“I used to come here with my best friend. I hope it doesn’t close.”

The churches that took part were St Mary’s and St Nicholas in Barton, Holy Trinity Church in Headington, the Oxford Bible Church in Headington and St James The Apostle and the Christian Life Centre Church in Cowley.

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