THE Wiveliscombe Community Swimming Pool team invited locals to an open evening last week to mark the launch of new development plans.

The gathering, which took place on Friday, May 2, was a chance for area locals to find out more about the WiveyPool pool house development, an area which is promised to be a welcoming and accessible space for the community.

The forthcoming developments are part of a £250,000 revamp of the popular Wiveliscombe swimming pool, which is hoped will eventually provide a new warm area for swimmers and spectators, and a centre for learning.

The development will also incorporate accessibility features, including a disabled toilet in an effort to make all pool users feel comfortable and included.

Liz Hurry, chairman of WiveyPool, said: “This thoughtful addition underscores the importance of creating spaces that are accessible to all members of our community.

“The Pool House is set to be a wonderful asset for WiveyPool, providing warmth, learning opportunities, and a place for people to connect.

“I can't wait to see how it will enrich our community and bring us all closer together.”

WiveyPool was opened nearly 100 years ago on August 4, 1927, and is one of the oldest swimming pools in Somerset.

The original concreted pool initially cost £778 to build. Now, with heated water, boilers, pumps, and a filter WiveyPool costs roughly £60,000 a year to run.

To secure the prospective development finances, the pool’s team need to raise £60,000 to kick the scheme off, which will otherwise be funded by grants which they hope to secure.

WiveyPool announced in April that it was seeking donations to put towards the development project. The WiveyPool team have since raised £7,000 towards their overall target.