Local people hoping to run Arundel's threatened open-air swimming pool had their business plan rejected last night.

The draft plan was opposed by several Arundel town councillors, who said some parts were unrealistic.

Leisure committee members have now put forward points they want the Arundel and Downland Community Leisure Trust (ACT) to consider in their final plan.

Councillors said there was an over-reliance on season ticket sales and campaigners were assuming both the town council and Arun District Council would help with funding.

Councillor Joe Hayes said: "We have an obligation to the public. Yes, they have voted to keep the pool and I would like to support the trust but I cannot without a robust business plan."

Councillor Don Ayling said: "We are not attacking the trust, we are protecting it from any possible mistakes. We all have to make sure that it is right."

Councillors called the special meeting of the town's leisure committee to consider the trust's business plan and the results of last week's town poll, when almost 90 per cent of voters backed plans to reopen the pool.

Speaking after the meeting, ACT chairwoman Ruth Kerslake said: "We hope the trust, town council and district council can move forward together now the residents have voted conclusively that they want the pool."