Ex-sports minister Kate Hoey and Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew are supporting calls for the reopening of the Haggerston Pool in Hackney, London.

The Victorian pool closed in 2000 due to escalating maintenance costs – the building required a £300,000 repair programme.

The pool was deemed surplus to requirements because of the opening of the £32m Clissold Leisure Centre, which has subsequently closed due to health and safety concerns.

Local campaigners are holding a consultation on Wednesday this week (18 January) which will feature a key note address from Kate Hoey.

Goodhew has also added his voice to the campaign: "Well done to those people in Haggerston who are being proactive in their fight to reopen the Haggerston Baths. Our swimming baths are part of our communities. They enhance quality of life and are an essential part of what makes a desirable place to live."