12:30pm Tuesday 20th December 2011
A WORCESTER swimming pool has been awarded £50,000 to kick start its new roof appeal.
Worcester Citizens’ Pool was awarded the Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund and received the cheque on Friday.
The appeal now needs local people and businesses to help raise another £20,000 to complete the renovations.
Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “The Citizens’ Swimming Pool is a vital community asset which provides recreation for so many people on the west side of Worcester.
“This will be a real and significant legacy for the Olympic games in Worcester.”
The pool in Weir Lane, Lower Wick, was built in 1974 and currently hosts 600 swimming lessons a week as well as a well-attended parent and toddler group and swimming sessions by children from 18 schools.
Ian Thompson, chairman of the Worcester Citizens’ Swimming Bath Association, said: “I am delighted our future will be assured for many years to come.
“We were one of the few who received the full grant. I think we were successful as a result of the support we received from Robin Walker.”
The cost of replacing the roof is estimated at £115,000.
Mr Thompson added: “We are now writing to the top 100 businesses in Worcester in the hope they and the local people will support us to raise the next £20,000.”
Chairman of Sport England Richard Lewis said: “This investment will create a fantastic sporting legacy for Worcester.”
Worcester company One Creative Environment, based in Wildwood Way, will be managing the project.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the pool’s roof fund can visit the pool, where they will be able to get a form or make a donation.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/trade_directory/