BRIGHTLINGSEA residents have come together to help save the town swimming pool.

About 80 people attended a meeting organised by Brightlingsea Town Council to see how it could keep the facility going.

Dozens agreed to form a trust to help run the pool or act as a volunteer.

The open air swimming pool has been under threat of closure for three years due to rising costs including the cost of repairs.

The pool, in Promenade Way, was due to close this year to save an estimated £60,000 in operating costs.

But the town and district council struck a deal for this year to save what Brightlingsea Town Council calls “a valuable regional asset”.

The town council agreed to fund half the running costs, up to a maximum £30,000, and commit to developing a business plan to explore site improvements and grant funding, the use of renewable energy and create a trust.

Town councillor Mick Barry, who organised the meeting, called it a good turnout.

Residents heard from the Amateur Swimming Association on how a trust could run the pool and boost its custom, using examples of other pools around the country.

Mr Barry said a business plan would be made, which would look at improving facilities to boost its use by young swimmers.

He said: “It’s a blank canvas. We have a big pool but in its current state it needs investment.”

He said there was no outdoor lido pool within 50 miles and the council was committed to developing the facility. He said: “We will be exploring all avenues for funding or development.” 

Graham Steady, chairman of the town council’s finance committee, confirmed a report to create the trust would be prepared for the May council meeting.

Should members vote to form a charitable trust, all those who expressed interest in joining or helping would meet up a few days later to plan the way forward.

The pool is due to reopen on July 15 and stay open until September. By that time the trust will be fully operational, seeking grant funding and looking to boost custom.

For future years, the plan is for the trust and the town council to keep the pool open although Tendring Council may still staff it.