A PUBLIC meeting is to be held to discuss the future of Helmsley Open Air Pool.

The swimming pool, which is a registered charity, will be 50 years old in 2019 and significant investment is needed if it is to remain open.

Chris Parkin, a member of the working group set up to raise funds to save the pool, said it would open as usual this year, from the beginning of June until mid-September.

“Our aim is to secure the funding over this time so that we can go to the pool’s trustees, which is Helmsley Town Council, to get the go-ahead to carry out the work needed, otherwise it will close down,” he said.

Mr Parkin said major investment was needed on the pool’s lining and pipe work to ensure it remained efficient to run.

“The swimming pool tank is clearly showing signs of its 48-years of age and has a number of leaks,” he said.

One option is to build a new tank within the existing tank which would reduce the pool width from 9m to 8m and level out the depth at 1.5m - the pool would remain 25m long.

Mr Parkin said: “The original concrete fencing is also ageing and unattractive and we would like to replace this with a greener and more attractive option and the changing rooms and foyer are also in need of refurbishment.

“Basically, we are looking a lots of money - possibly in excess of £100,000, so we are looking wherever we can to secure that funding.”

Mr Parkin said various fundraising events were being planned over the summer, including the annual aquathlon.

“We are looking at everything and anything to raise the funds to keep the pool open,” he said.

“To lose the pool would be a huge loss to the history and heritage of the area the last open air pool in Yorkshire.”

The meeting will be held at Helmsley Town Hall on Wednesday, March 15, at 6.30pm.

For more information, go to helmsleyopenairpool.org