Popular outdoor pool set for £250,000 revamp

Julie Christian says the outdoor pool unites the community

Plans have been announced for a £250,000 revamp at an outdoor swimming pool that "brings people together".

Leaders at Wivey Pool in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, want to build a facility that will provide a warm area for swimmers and spectators, as well as a room for school children to learn life-saving skills.

Most of the project will be paid for by grants, but the community needs to raise £60,000 in six months to kick the scheme off.

Julie Christian, lifeguard and pool member, said: "It is a daunting amount but I think we can do it. We need to pull together and we have lots of different fundraising challenges lined up."

Swimmer Julie Deal says the pool has been a huge part of her life for 60 years

Wivey Pool, which first opened in 1927, uses solar panels to heat the water to 26C (78F).

It is currently open for early-morning lane swimming, with the main season beginning on 26 April until the end of August.

Swimmer Julie Deal has been swimming at the site for 60 years.

"It is just amazing, you can close your eyes and be absolutely anywhere. Sometimes I'm in Mauritius, sometimes I'm in Ibiza. It's just a dream.

"We are so lucky to have this community asset," she said.

Wivey Pool in Wiveliscombe first opened to the public in 1927

Ms Christian said the pool is a vital part of Wiveliscombe and brings people together.

She added: "People come here to be part of the community and to meet friends.

"It's really good for your social wellbeing, as well as your health."