CRAVEN swimming pools have been allocated a total nearly £66,000 from the Government's Swimming Pool Support Fund.

Settle Pool, which earlier this year revealed it was in serious danger of closing because of sky-rocketing energy bills, has received £21,000; and Ingleton Outdoor Pool has been awarded £44,911.

The second round of grants from the swimming pool support fund is aimed at relieving financial pressures on the pools by improving energy efficiency and reducing running costs.

The money will be used to install Photo Voltaic (PV) panels at both facilities, as well as pool covers at Ingleton Outdoor Swimming Pool.

Skipton MP Julian Smith said: “These popular facilities offer a variety of fantastic services for residents and local schools to enjoy, not just as pools but hubs for the local community.

“This funding will go a long way to improving their energy efficiency and reducing running costs, paving the way to a more financially and environmentally sustainable future.

“I applaud the dedicated staff and volunteers for all their hard work.”

Colin Coleman chair of the Settle Pool trustees, said: "We are delighted that Settle Pool has been successful in our bid for funding from the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund. This grant will enable us to add to our bank of solar panels and so both reduce our energy costs and make the pool more environmentally efficient.

"The award is a welcome boost to our efforts to address the serious financial problems that we have faced in recent months."

Mr Coleman added: "We were of course disappointed that we did not receive funding in the first round of bids to the Swimming Pool Support Fund, which was aimed at helping pools facing rising costs, but have been heartened by the way the local community has rallied round to show their support for the pool in recent months.

"All our efforts to turn round a difficult financial situation are starting to bear fruit. We are by no means out of the wood and still need to make more efforts to ensure our long term future. But things are now looking better and this grant, whilst not directly related to day-to-day funding, does show a degree of support for the pool from this national body which is very welcome."