Labour party enforcers have launched an investigation into two Labour councillors who rebelled over the controversial closure of a Southampton swimming pool.

Coxford councillors Keith Morrell and Don Thomas are under investigation by party whips after they voted against their ruling Labour group in a council budget vote to withdraw a £235,000 annual subsidy from Oakland’s Swimming Pool.

They are campaigning to save the Lordshill pool, which employs 33 staff, and is popular with school children and older and disabled residents.

Labour deputy leader Jacqui Rayment said Labour Party’s whips process was being followed.

She said: “Don and Keith are still members of the (council’s Labour) group and can continue in their roles as they see fit until the conclusion of the investigation and it is decided on any action that may be needed to be taken.”

Oaklands pool closed in May for repairs, which have been halted by Labour while it carries out a consultation on its future. Tories and Lib Dems are also calling for it to reopen.