CAMPAIGNERS are appealing to the public to help save Beaminster swimming pool from closure.

The pool will not open this year unless £20,000 is found to pay for repairs and "colossal" running costs.

Volunteers are being sought to join a new pool committee to help raise money - while a crowdfunding campaign is set to be launched in the coming days.

The fundraising campaign will hopefully raise £35,000 in order to secure the future of the facility after B-Fit decided it could no longer support the facility.

Campaign leader Sancha Butcher, said: "Now the target is £50,000 overall and we are hoping to raise £35,000 through the crowdfunding campaign.

"In order to open the pool this year we need to raise £20,000, but this would just be for one year and we feel the community would be let down by this short-term measure."

The campaign has also gained the support of Beaminster School.

Head teacher Keith Hales, said: "Beaminster School is fully supporting the crowdfunding campaign to keep the pool open.

"We are delighted that a community group has stepped forward to drive this campaign and we will continue to work closely with them over the next five weeks. The pool is a great asset for all the people in Beaminster and we want to support the community in keeping it open.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Ms Butcher is confident the community will come together to save the pool.

She added: "We are trying to reach out to former pupils, parents and older residents.

"People have said to me that they can remember having to queue for the pool back in the 70s and having to wait on the side of the pool for their turn. It would be great to recapture that community feeling."

More than 100 children each week use the pool for lessons, as well as pupils from three local schools - with Beaminster School using more than 12 hours a week of pool time.

Richard Mooney, trainer-assessor at the pool, said: "Swimming is a vital life-saving skill, particularly for children living no near to the coast.

"We are also looking for a volunteer receptionist and lifeguards who will receive training. We want as many hands helping us as possible.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Beaminster swimming pool in the 1970s

"The running costs are colossal. We need a new pump and the pool cleaner is broken. We need to finish off some tilling and painting and there are a lot of man-hours involved."

Campaigners are also keen to hear from local businesses about sponsorship or advertising opportunities and are open to ideas.

To become involved in the campaign, please email beaminsterpool@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/BeaminsterPool