For the third time this year, the pool was closed on Monday due to an operational fault, meaning Kirkcaldy Amateur Swimming Club was unable to take to the waters.

The club believe such frequent problems - the pool closed for weeks on two occasions earlier this year - mean swimmers are taking membership elsewhere or quitting altogether.

Head coach Keith Ireland (43) said: "The kids just aren't returning. We never thought the club would be in this situation."

And although leaders have welcomed Fife Council's idea to replace the town's pool, they are unconvinced the preferred site of Tolbooth Street is correct.

Mr Ireland said: "To us there are better sites, such as the former Nairn Factory or at Chapel. I'm in the fire service and see the problem that flooding causes on the Promenade, so firmly believe this would not be the correct location.

"At the end of the day, we need a pool which will be reliable."

The swimming club formed in 1886, originally meeting at Seafield before moving to regular classes at the town's harbour basin.

Since then it has enjoyed a membership in excess of 100, but now has only 40 members taking up opportunities to learn to swim or train competitively.

Committee members believe there is no future for the club if numbers drop any lower due to financial pressures.

Membership secretary Isobel Anderson (74) said: "The only way we'd get members back is if the pool was in guaranteed working order.''

• To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press first thing Thursday morning.

PUBLIC MEETING - Tuesday, May 13, Adam Smith College, Kirkcaldy, 7 p.m.
Have your say on our town's sporting provision. All welcome