Swimming club appeal after rise in pool hire costs

Kingston Upon Hull Swimming Club said pool hire costs had gone up each year

A swimming club is appealing for donations to pay towards its £120,000 pool hire fees.

Kingston Upon Hull Swimming Club said the high operating costs were "not sustainable".

The club founded in 1996 uses a number of council pools.

Hull City Council said it was "working closely with the swimming club".

In its online appeal to raise £20,000 the club said as well as going towards pool hire costs it would use the money to fund families "who may not financially be in a position to fully support their swimmer to reach their full potential".

The club's chairwoman, Nina Curran, said that amid a cost of living crisis they are finding it "more and more difficult to be inclusive, to encourage people to join the club".

She added that pool hire costs had gone up 9% in each of the the last two years, "linked to the increase in fuel prices".

A further rise of 9% is scheduled for next year and the club wants to raise funds to avoid passing the increased cost onto members.

Other costs include training the volunteer coaches and lifeguards.

Ms Curran said the planned closure of the club's main training pool at Ennerdale Leisure Centre for sixth months would have a further impact as they would be unable to hold fundraising galas.

"No other facilities in the city are suitable for holding swimming galas," she said.

The club is facing the loss of the Ennerdale pool, which is closing for six months

The club has 250 members ranging from five-years-old to 88.

Some have competed at UK and national championships, as well as Commonwealth Games trials.

With the loss of its main base from September, Ms Curran said all members would be unable to train together, which she described as a having a "profound effect" on the club.

Hull City Council apologised for the pool closure and said it was in discussion with the club about options for its events.

“Ennerdale is a much-loved facility in Hull, but its building fabric is approaching 40 years old and needs investment," a spokesperson said.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]