A SWIMMING pool in Minehead could close its doors in light of rising energy costs unless thousands of pounds can be urgently raised.

The St. Michael’s PTA Swimming Pool lies within the grounds of St. Michael’s Church of England First School on Watery Lane, just north of Minehead town centre.

The 1.5-metre deep pool has been entirely run by volunteers since it reopened in 2014, and can be privately hired at evenings, weekends and during the school holidays.

But the school’s parent and teacher association (PTA) said the pool may have to close unless £20,000 can be raised in light of rising heating and electricity bills.

Minehead has been without a publicly-operated swimming pool since West Somerset Council approved the closure of Aquasplash on Seaward Way in 2008.

Somerset West and Taunton Council set aside land on Seaward Way in January 2022 for a potential new pool, and a feasibility study was commissioned in late-2022 using £10,000 from the Hinkley Point C community mitigation fund.

But Somerset Council confirmed in October 2023 that a new pool on this site is “not being pursued” since the study did not conclude that it would definitely be able to pay for itself.

Since Aquasplash closed, Minehead residents have relied on the St. Michael’s facility, pay to use the Butlin’s facilities on Warren Road, or drive as far afield as Taunton, Tiverton or Wellington to access a public pool.

In a statement seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the St. Michael’s Swimming Pool team said they faced an “urgent financial crisis” and warned that the site would have to close without local fundraising.

Treasurer Nicola Hewlett said: “Entirely run by dedicated volunteers, the pool has been a cornerstone for local families and children since its refurbishment and reopening by the PTA in 2014.

“However, with rising electricity prices and the need for significant maintenance, including new heaters and flooring, we are struggling to raise the more than £20,000 needed to keep the pool open.

“We are committed to providing affordable access to safe and high-quality swimming facilities, with the primary goal of teaching water confidence and swimming skills to as many children as possible.

“We believe that by teaching children to swim, we are helping to save lives and foster a healthier community.”

The pool’s volunteer team has currently dwindled to two members, who are juggling pool responsibilities with work and family commitments.

Without further volunteer support and additional fundraising, the team will be unable to access further grants which could keep the pool open.

Ms Hewlett added: “We are in desperate need of more volunteers to support our efforts in day-to-day operations, fundraising, and applying for grants.

“Without additional support, we may have to close the pool, which would be a tremendous loss to the community.”

The PTA has currently raised £1,846 against its initial target of £5,000, and is actively applying for additional funding and grants.

To make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/f/heater-for-pool. For more information about volunteering email [email protected].