A referendum could be called to decide if taxpayers' money should be used to reopen an open-air swimming pool.

A group of residents have petitioned the mayor to hold a town meeting about Arundel Swimming Pool next Thursday.

It is likely that at the meeting a parish poll will be called, the first of its kind in the historic town.

Next week's meeting will ask residents to what extent Arundel Town Council should be financially committed to the reopening and operation of the pool.

The swimming pool was closed more than three years ago because it needed major repairs.

Arundel and Downland Community Leisure Trust took over responsibility for the site in Fitzalan Road in May last year from Arun District Council and set itself the target of raising £1.75 million to extend the facilities. The town and district councils have committed a total of £212,000 in grants to help refurbish the pool but there has been concern by some residents about footing part of the bill through council tax.

Councillor Bill Redman, who put his name to the petition, said: "There has been some uncertainty in the town about the pool and we reached a stage where we really want to know how people feel about it.

"It is very easy for us councillors to sit at a meeting spending other people's money but we feel we need assurance from the taxpayers that it is what they want.

"We haven't done this lightly and it has been in consultation with the trust. We haven't just gone behind their backs.

"I would encourage as many residents as possible to come along to the meeting next Thursday so they can give us some answers and assurances about their feelings about the pool."

Chairman of the swimming pool trust Ruth Kerslake said she welcomed the prospect of the meeting and a parish poll to gauge local support for the reopening of the pool.

She said: "We believe a poll will give the town council the authority and confidence to push this project forward.

"We hope that after the poll, the trust can move forward quickly with its refurbishment plans for the pools."

The meeting will be held at Arundel Town Hall next Thursday at 7.30pm. A parish poll, if called for by electors at the meeting, will be held on April 10.