ASHBURTON Pool has found itself in deep water after a number of cracks were found to need about £100,000 in repairs.

After a public meeting, the Trustees of the pool said that they were confident that they could raise the money, but would need 20 ‘heroes’ from the community to step forward to help with fundraising efforts.

Ashburton’s Pool was opened in May 1936. Now approaching its 90th birthday and owned by the community, it is a much-loved part of the town providing health, leisure and well-being opportunities in a very special facility.

‘The pool is so important to so many people,’ said Sarah Perry, one of Ashburton Pool’s trustees.

‘It’s next to the primary school, so they use it regularly, but there are people in town in their 80s who also learned to swim in that pool so there are people of all ages that are very fond of it.’

However, recently the pool has developed some significant structural issues. Despite upgrades throughout the years, two significant problems have been identified: a crack along the pool’s deep end and some old corroded cast-iron pipework underneath the pool that needs replacing.

The leaks being caused by these issues are not insignificant. Sarah said: ‘This year, we spent £17,000 on chemicals when we could have used £6,000 if we’d have used the right amount of water. We’re at the critical point where we can’t go on.’

To resolve this, the pool must be emptied, dug up and fixed before the installation of a specialist liner that would see it fit for purpose for the next 20 years. It would also allow for the upgrade of older infrastructure to bring the pool up to modern standards. For all this, it will take about £100,000.

Sarah remarked: ‘The pool is sustainable, we break even each year. It’s only this mega problem that’s threatened the pool’s future. £100,000 is a lot, but it’s manageable and we think we can do it.’

A big task is better broken down into smaller objectives, and that’s exactly how Ashburton Pool will reach its goal. To raise the money, Ashburton Pool is looking for 20 ‘Pool Heroes’, individuals or organisations who can each raise £5000 towards the target.

Each hero will then have a plaque or design to commemorate their contributions. While some heroes have already come forward, the pool needs more.

‘The community saved it in the 50s, they saved it again in 2016 when Teignbridge wanted to shut it,’ added Sarah.

‘I’m an optimist, I think we can do it, but we really need the community’s help.’