Purley swimming pool is to remain open "until it can no longer be used" after Croydon Council scrapped plans to close it in April in the face of huge opposition.

Plans to shut the pool were withdrawn this morning as campaigners prepared to protest outside tonight's full council meeting and deliver a petition signed by more than 6,000 people.

The announcement follows talks between councillors and campaigners.

The council had said it could not afford the £781,000 cost of "a range of urgent maintenance issues", but has now agreed to keep the pool - operated by contractor Fusion at Purley Leisure Centre - open in the short term.

Council leader Tony Newman said this morning: "The pool has almost reached the end of its life. However, we believe that we can find a way to keep it open until that time comes."

Fred Wallis, of the Save Purley Pool campaign, said: "We would very much like to thank the council leader Tony Newman and his colleagues for listening to our representation of the facts that indicate that Purley Pool should be kept open for the benefit of the community.

“The local representatives look forward to helping the council in whatever way possible to see that the pool and gym can be maintained  at a satisfactory level without unnecessary expenditure.

“We would like to say that Purley pool is at the heart of the south of the borough and real long term benefits can be had by all if a swimming pool and gym is planned for in the regeneration of Purley.”

Campaigners had questioned council's claims about size of the investment needed in the pool. 

The decision to postpone the closure could be reverse if health and safety concerns arise, the council said.