Bill Gibbard has resigned as chairman of the Bromyard and District Community Pool Trust. The group made several applications to build a community-run pool near Hardwick Close.

But it never won the backing of planning officers, despite having the money and the land.

Mr Gibbard, aged 70, has been replaced by Paul Sambridge after more than 10 years of campaigning. He blamed an apathetic reaction from councillors and a cancelled petition which called on support from residents.

“I think a fresh look might be better – maybe someone will come in and do the business,” said Mr Gibbard. “Bromyard can do this. It runs its own football team and theatre so there’s no reason why it can’t run a pool.

“But I do regret what’s happened, because swimming is the one sport that really matters.

“If you’re rubbish at football it doesn’t make a difference, but if you can’t swim then you could die.”

The latest application was rejected in September and failed to win the full support of Bromyard Town Council.

But the trust does have “a healthy kitty” in a Charity Commission account, and hopes to use it in the future