CAMPAIGNERS fighting to secure the future of Helmsley Open Air Pool have had a positive response from the public.

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.

Carol Swift, a member of the working group set up to raise funds to save the pool, said a public meeting held last week had been attended by more than 100 people.

“It was a very positive meeting with everyone in favour of going forward to help secure the funding needed,” she said.

The pool will open as usual this year, from the beginning of June until mid-September with the aim to secure the funding over this time.

Carol said: “We will then have to 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.”

Major investment is needed on the pool’s lining and pipe work to ensure it remained efficient to run. The swimming pool tank is also showing signs of its 48-years of age and has a number of leaks. One option is to build a new tank within the existing tank which would reduce the pool width from nine metres to eight metres and level out the depth at 1.5m - the pool would remain 25metres long.

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

“It is daunting but people have suggested grants we can apply for and several people have offered to help out and fundraise so it is very encouraging.”

Carol 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,” she said.

For more information, go to helmsleyopenairpool.org. To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/helmsley-recreationcharity