Appeal for £250k to secure Bishop's Castle swimming pools future

There are fears the lining of the pool may not last behind 2024, trustees said

A £250,000 appeal has been launched to revamp a swimming baths before the lining of the pool fails.

The council-owned facility at SpArC leisure centre in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, will be 50 years old in 2024.

But trustees from a charity which supports the centre said the pool's lining is unlikely to last until the end of that year.

The appeal was aimed at replacing it with a metal structure.

"Our aim is to replace it with an insulated steel tank to reduce water volume and heating costs in order for it to be more sustainable, both environmentally and financially," trustee Jean Shirley said.

"We also plan, through a ramp or steps, to widen access for disabled and elderly people."

The group has already raised £70,000 and wants to achieve the full £250,000 total by the end of 2024.

"We are well aware that many people may be short of money, but we are starting with £70,000 already collected," Ms Shirley added.

She urged people to help them if they could through activities such as swimming challenges and collections.