The Leonard Stanley outdoor pool reopened today for school children after organisers successfully raised £10,000.
The pool was unable to open in 2020, meaning pupils missed out on swimming lessons and families lost a community hub.
Friends of Leonard Stanley School, the primary where the pool is located, raised the money with the help of families and local businesses to fit the pool with an automatic chemical system needed to reopen.
Organiser Allyson Higgins said: “A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped. From working parties to donations made to ongoing support, we literally couldn’t have done it without you.
“A special thank you to Annaleise Jones, without her this wouldn’t be happening. I’m feeling very proud today, what a community effort. Thank you.”
She added: “Hopefully in a few weeks restrictions will allow us to open to the community.”
The chemical system cost £7,000 and the remaining donations will be put toward an ongoing fundraiser which aims to heat the pool, upgrade the changing rooms and more.
The total cost of all upgrades to the pool, which is run and funded by volunteers, would be £64,000.
Upgrades are guided by a community survey, which found 95 per cent of people would use it more if it were heated 43 per cent wanted would the changing rooms upgraded.
Opened in 1960s, the grandad of a student of Leonard Stanley Primary School provided £10,000 for the original construction.
In 2019, there were 270 registered users of the pool, plus 211 school pupils who swam 3-5 times per week.
Families from the community paid £30 to access the pool outside of school hours, weekends and school holidays.
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