THE Friends of Settle Swimming Pool has handed over more that £155,000 to the pool trustees as its contribution to the major re-development work now taking place at the 47 year - old building.

Friends chairman Alan Smith made the presentation to Pat Taylor, who chairs the pool trustees, at the pool site where the steel structure to support the new extension has recently been put in place.

Although the pool is now closed as a result of damage to the roof caused by Storm Arwen, at the end of November, the new build, which will include new changing rooms an enhanced entrance area, with catering facilities, and a multi-use dry area, is on track to be completed by summer 2022.

Major contributions to the estimated £800,000 cost are also being made by Craven District Council and a national sports body. Discussions are currently taking place with insurers about repairs to the roof.

The Friends of Settle Swimming Pool was established as a separate charity in the 1990s. The main aim was to raise capital to fund major works. Over the years it has raised more than £300,000. Much of this has gone to pay for essential repairs. Some has also been used to support the school transport system, allowing school across North Craven to take children to swimming lessons. Now, with the remainder of the assets going to support the redevelopment work, the Friends have been wound up as a separate charity.

One of the principal sources of income during the Friends 30 year history was a 200 club which is continuing under the auspices of the pool trustees. The other source was the paper recycling project that had to close at the start of the covid pandemic and was not able to reopen.

However in the meantime the charity shop in Duke Street Settle, run through the trustees, has proved a regular source of income and is now playing a big role in funding the pool.