School swimming pool faces closure over costs
Matthew ToweA primary school's swimming pool is facing closure due to running costs.
St Martin and St Mary Primary School in Windermere, Cumbria, currently helps around seven other schools to meet their national curriculum swimming.
But rising energy bills and a reduced school budget have left it needing to raise £10,000 to keep it open.
Head teacher, Matthew Towe, said the pool was a "very important resource" and was "hugely important in helping children learn to swim" in the area.
The heated pool is open from Easter to the end of the summer term and the school has previously applied for funding to install heat pumps to save money.
Mr Towe said they had always relied on gifts and trust fund money, but the cash was "running out".
"It's a very important resource, it's been there for many, many years," Mr Towe said.
"It's hugely important as a big element in helping children learn to swim in our schools."
'Every year a battle'
One solution being explored was to open the pool to the public, but Mr Towe said people "have got to come and swim or it won't be worth doing".
"Our problem is we're relying on people to turn up to cover costs."
If the school cannot raise the money needed, Mr Towe said the pool would close.
He added nearby pools were already at capacity for school groups.
"We don't have any additional cash flow in and around if there is a problem and we can't afford to actually keep the thing going unless we get those funds and every year is a battle," Mr Towe said.
"We are going to be forced to make a difficult financial decision."