CAMPAIGNERS say the first batch of responses to a survey show there is overwhelming opposition to turning a closed swimming pool into accommodation.

Lawson Cartwright, who is leading a campaign against the housing project, said over 150 residents want Sansome Walk swimming pool to become a car park.

He added that locals are scared of anti-social behaviour and other issues if the YMCA builds 76 ‘accommodation units’, for 18 to 35-year-olds, alongside Sanctuary Housing's 22 affordable homes.

Mr Cartwright, aged 58, of Wood Terrace, Worcester, said he had collected around 20 per cent of the 1,300 surveys handed out across the Arboretum.

He claims only a few respondents said they received a letter giving them advanced notice of a key city council meeting where councillors voted to sell the site for housing.

The current survey responses have all been handed into Virk's Newsagents, in Northfield Street, Worcester.

Mr Cartwright now intends to go around local homes to collect the other responses.

City councillor Joy Squires, who represents the Arboretum, said work is already underway on a residents' parking scheme for the Arboretum.

She added: "I recently organised a public meeting about the Sansome Walk site, which well over 100 residents attended.

"There are clearly serious concerns about the Sanctuary Housing and YMCA proposals for the site."

Cllr Squires opposed the sale at the council's policy and resources committee meeting in March.

The councillor said she had met the YMCA and Sanctuary Housing to express residents' concerns.