CAMPAIGNERS and residents will have to wait until next year for the decision on a swimming pool development that has caused a "rift" in their community.

Lewisham Council had consulted on plans to demolish Forest Hill Pools and former girls' industrial home Louise House, in Dartmouth Road, replacing them with a modern two-pool facility.

But following the listing of Louise House by English Heritage last month, the council has launched a feasibility study to find a way forward.

Due to be completed early next year, it will include looking at how Louise House and the frontage could be incorporated.

The Save the Face of Forest Hill group presented Lewisham Council with a petition containing 2,109 signatures at a council meeting yesterday (September 17).

It wants the council to keep the historic frontage of the pools as part of the development.

Group spokesman Tim Walder told the meeting: "The rift which currently exists in the community of Forest Hill between those who want swimming now and those who wish to retain the best of our architectural heritage can be healed through this compromise."

But ward councillor John Russell told the meeting the petition did not necessarily reflect the views of all his constituents.

And chairman of the Forest Hill Society community group Michael Abrahams denied there was a rift but said: "I don't think anybody is opposed to keeping the frontage of the pool if that can be done.

"I think there is, however, the more important need for swimming in Forest Hill. That has to be the number one priority."

All groups backed a public design competition for the new development which Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said would be considered.

But he told the meeting any decision would need to take into account cost and how quickly facilities could be provided.

He said: "My determination to get a leisure facility up and running in Forest Hill is not up for negotiation."