A SCHEME to build a swimming pool in Upton-upon-Severn has received a lukewarm response from townspeople.

Few people turned up to see a draft plan put forward for public comment by Upton Social Club, which wants to develop land previously used for allotments.

Other ideas suggested for the 1,000sq metre plot behind the clubhouse include tennis courts and a bowling green, but social club chairman Dave Dodd favours the pool scheme.

"We already have tennis courts by the old fire station, and a bowling green would be seasonal and basically aimed at one age group, whereas a swimming pool would be for everyone," he said.

"We had a rather disappointing turnout for our open day. I was expecting quite a few more people to take an interest, but perhaps we didn't do enough advertising.

"The response we did have was very positive towards the idea of the pool."

Mr Dodd said the land was left to the town by the Bromley-Martins of Ham Court in the 1830s to promote social interest within the town.

"We wanted to draw people's attention to the fact that the land is lying there idle, when it could be developed," he said.

"There was a good response from our neighbours, who thought it was a good idea, although they had some concerns about possible noise and disturbance with more people around their properties.

"Their comments were fair and favourable. If they were to see lots of control measures put into place they felt the ground would be put to better use."

Mr Dodd said their thoughts and considerations would be taken into account.

"We wanted to get everyone's opinions before we get the idea off the starting blocks," he said.

"There's a lot more ground work to be done. If we decide to go ahead with the swimming pool plan, we'll have to look for funding from the Lottery or elsewhere."