A Liss parent has launched a petition calling for a comprehensive revamp of the Taro Centre pool amid complaints about its “deplorable state”.

And there’s plenty who agree with the pool being called “tired, filthy, uninviting” and “in need of a good clean” by people who have already signed.

Ben Richards feels the Petersfield facility has declined drastically while big sums have been spent on improving the Alton and Bordon pools, with an extension planned at the latter to include water slides and a splash pool.

He believes feels the current state of the Taro pool is diverting users away as it doesn’t offer the same safe and welcoming environment for swimmers as its East Hampshire alternatives.

He said: “I’ve lived in this area for 28 years but I’ve never seen the pool being updated and it doesn’t entice me or young families.

“When the contract was taken up by Everyone Active there was a sense they would be pouring millions in. Ok, I know they’ve spent a lot of money on the gym but not many families go to the gym.”

“It’s just disappointing there’s nothing on the doorstep and hearing about the investment in Bordon was the final straw.”

The petition can be signed at https://shorturl.at/mZeQY while a spokesperson for EHDC said the council is working with operators Everyone Active to bring the best possible leisure facilities to Petersfield.

They said: “The new centres delivered in Alton and in Whitehill & Bordon, plus the £3million refurbishment of the Taro in 2018 show that leisure is a high priority for EHDC and that we are prepared to give residents the best possible facilities.

“We’ll be working with our partners to see how we can improve Petersfield and what can be done over the short and longer term.”