DAVID BOND, of Warfleet Creek Dartmouth, writes:

With the planned date to build the new indoor swimming pool still not in place, and the commencement of construction obviously at a still later date, it seems even more important to keep the outdoor pool open for this season at least, and maybe one more year after that if at all possible. This is from May to August.

The loyal and tireless enthusiasts who have administrated voluntarily the entire running of this pool for many years have mostly retired, in the expectation of a new pool taking its place.

I can only say what a great bunch they have been and thank them from all for their many hours of labour for the benefit of all. An enormous effort was made to repair and maintain the pool with monies donated from many sources last year and manpower was kept at a safe level by good people to whom we are all indebted and very grateful.

The net result of these factors have resulted in a new chairman, David Bond, who is very keen to keep this facility for the whole town and surrounding area open, and a committee with not quite enough people. We need some more volunteers. Several key personnel are necessary to run the pool, some skilled and some trained, and others just keen to help with simple tasks and doing whatever is required. Most of these jobs would be on a voluntary basis throughout the summer. These jobs include:

A pool maintenance manager to look after the pumps, boilers etc.

Someone with building skills to replace the odd outside paving slabs, etc. This may include replacing all the wood around the top of the building that is all rotten.

A person with plumbing experience to repair the press button timed showers etc from time to time.

Some volunteers to assist the preparation of the pool and area for this coming season ie. painting, minor woodwork, minor plumbing etc.

Officially we could do with some more members on the committee but really this is about helping out when required and mostly for the opening and closing.

Thanks to a local business, Alf Resco's paying for training we think we are going to be okay for the lifeguards who obviously have to be fully trained.

Lastly, the new season this May is beginning with very little money, as it did last year. We survive purely on a small grant from the council and admission fees, although the pool finished the year in the black last year due to the good weather, the year before had a loss of something near £10,000 due to a very bad summer.

Due to the uncertainty of our weather there is a tightrope to walk that would be much easier if we could get some more funding. Advertising boards fixed around the inside of the pool area fencing for anyone wishing to sponsor us might be an idea. This is as important as the volunteers required to help in the run up to the proposed opening in May.

With the proximity of the sea and the river it is vital that children learn to swim and feel safe around water. Our senior population deserve the freedom to swim and exercise in this lovely heated environment to socialise and keep healthy.

Our working members of society require leisure facilities before and after work to de stress and exercise in the short time they have free for sport and to share fun at weekends with families.

This pool is an invaluable asset to our town, especially now, with the absence still of our long awaited new pool.