LAST-DITCH talks behind the scenes could save the borough's premiere training swimming pool, the Guardian can reveal.

The pool at Waltham Forest College, in Forest Road, is due to close on Wednesday, as Greenwich Leisure Ltd, which says it is losing £1,000 a week by running the pool, is not prepared to fund it any longer.

But a swimming pool operator is to visit the college in the next few days to discuss a deal which could see the ageing facility saved for a while longer yet.

Waltham Forest College principal Robin Jones said: “I would welcome an approach to keep this pool open for a while longer, that would be wonderful.

“I would have no pleasure in closing the doors on Wednesday.

“Even if we are not in a position to get something agreed by next Wednesday, it doesn't necessarily mean we can't keep the pool operational for an extra week or so until its finalised.”

Mr Jones said the college itself does not wish to divert much-needed money from teaching to keep the pool open.

Campaigners from the Friends of the Pool group say the pool is a unique facility in the borough as it provides unrestricted lane swimming.

The college intended to close the pool two years ago but a council-brokered, part- subsidised deal with Greenwich Leisure Ltd, which expired in June, gave it a reprieve.

An expected redevelopment of the college, which would have seen the pool demolished, did not happen for financial reasons.

Council leader Chris Robbins has ruled out a further subsidy from the taxpayer.