76209-18SWIMMERS in Highworth will have to look elsewhere for a dip this summer. The pool is likely to remain closed as its concrete floor is cracking and in need of £60,000 of repairs.

Phil Baker, the chairman of the volunteers who run the pool, said the decision had been made very reluctantly.

Over the past few months the pool trustees have been working frantically to raise the cash.

The work must be completed before they can press ahead with the pool's long-awaited retractable roof.

"We are conscious that 25,000 swimmers enjoy using the pool each season," said Mr Baker.

"We apologise that we will not be opening as we normally do in April.

"We looked at all possible ways of opening, but sadly came to the conclusion that closure was the only possible way ahead."

The work is due to start in April and should take three months.

If it is finished on time the pool could still open.

But trustees fear inevitable delays will mean it remains shut all summer.

The pool's basin has not been repaired since the it opened in 1968. A recent survey claimed the flooring would last another 25 years.

But fresh fears were raised by the roofing contractors.

The extra cash has come from reserves, savings on the pool roof appeal and donations.

About £450,000 has been raised to install the roof, which should ensure the pool's survival by allowing year-round swimming.

Repairs will also be carried out to the filtration system.

But more cash is needed to revamp the rundown changing rooms and improve the pool side.

A public meeting is being held on March 3 at 8.15pm at the Rec to answer questions and discuss fundraising.

Mr Baker added: "We need people of Highworth to support even more fundraising efforts."

Tamash Lal