Pool fundraising set to make a splash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Pool fundraising set to make a splash

IT'S been banned in swimming pools around the country and is the bane of lifequards and serious swimmers alike.

Yet visitors to Cirencester's Open Air Swimming Pool are being invited to - literally - make a splash later this month to help secure the facility's future.

Managers are organising a sponsored swim to drum up much-needed cash for the pool, off Thomas Street.

And, they say there may even be the chance of a 'bombing' competition, if enough interest is generated.

Pool manager Angharad Baines said: "The swim was the idea of a group of young schoolchildren from Stratton, who said they liked the pool and wanted to raise money for it.

"We're really pleased they've decided to get involved because the pool is all about families and the people who come here everyday.

"Not only will the sponsored swim raise money, it will advertise the pool as well and, hopefully, attract new visitors."

The event will be held at the pool on July 16, between 1pm and 5pm.

Swimmers can either take part individually or in a team and sponsorship forms are available from pool staff on-site.

Anyone interested in taking part in a 'bombing' contest, where competitors compete to see who can make the biggest splash, are also invited to contact the pool staff.

* The historic open air pool faces an annual challenge to raise the funds necessary for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Earlier this year, chairman George Brazier said he feared for the facility's future after it was announced that drainage work was due to be carried out on the adjoining River Churn, blocking the main access route to the pool.

However, following representations by Mr Brazier and local councillor Deryck Nash, the Environment Agency agreed to postpone the work until after the pool's regular summer season.