Supporters of Settle Pool mark its 40th anniversary

The pool - which has just marked its 40th anniversary - has received its last regular funding from Craven District Council.

And although it is hopeful of receiving other council grants in the future, it has turned to businesses in the area for support.

Trevor Graveson, pool chairman, said the pool was an invaluable resource for schools and others.

"The pool committee together with our sister charityThe Friends of Settle Area Swimming Pool are determined to see that the pool continues to play a prominent role for people in the area," he said.

"A scheme of commercial sponsorship with ten local firms supporting the pool will begin shortly, and it is hoped to add ten more next year.

"This will go some way to offset the loss of Craven District Council funding, but the pool hope to persuade the council to reconsider and support what is an essential facility and a huge asset for the community of North Craven."

Last year, the council agreed to a £32,000 grant to the pool, spread over two years, until the end of the current financial year in April, 2016.

At the same time, the council said it could provide the pool committee with help and advice about seeking grants from elsewhere.

Meanwhile, celebrations have marked the 40th anniversary of the pool, which officially opened on June 22, 1975.

When it opened, its main objective was to give as many children in the district as possible the opportunity to learn to swim.

The pool project was initially promoted by Settle Area Community Council, and funds were raised locally together with grants from Settle Rural District Council, The Sports Council and Coulthurst Trust.

In addition to school swimming, all sectors of the community are catered for from parent and baby classes to a class for seniors. It is also used for GP referrals and hydrotherapy.

For more details about the pool, or for offers of sponsorship, contact manager Jenn Hodgkinson on 01729 823626 or website settleswimmingpool.co.uk