LET’S all work together to save our pool – that was the clear message from the public meeting called to discuss the future of Cardigan swimming pool last night (Monday, January 15).

More than 100 people turned up to hear that the pool was struggling financially and needed help to survive.

Trustees of the charitable organisation told the meeting that the pool had been caught in a perfect storm:

  • its grant from local government had been cut
  • staffing costs for wages and pension contributions are rising
  • the building and infrastructure/plant room are more than 40 years old and in urgent need of repairs/improvement/upgrading
  • the heatwave last summer saw fewer people using the pool

Trustees chairman Matt Newland said: “We have seen out grant from Ceredigion County Council cut from £80,000 a year down to £31,000 a year and in the current financial climate we can probably expect further cuts.

“The pool generates income of £180,000 a year, but of that £89,000 is spent on wages, £18,000 on electricity, £15,000 on gas and £6,000 on water.

“There is then maintenance and upkeep of the building and we can just about cover our day-to-day running costs. We are sometimes scrabbling around but nothing can go wrong.

“At the moment it is like just putting a sticking plaster on a sticking plaster. We worry we are one break down away from closing.”

He also accepted that with the age of the building there “is a point in time in the future when the pool will have to close, be that in 10 or 20 years’ time”.

He said the trustees, who are all volunteers, had reluctantly reduced opening hours as often the number of people using the pool did not cover its running costs.

“I know a lot of people have been disappointed by that decision and we did not want to do it but we were losing money by being open,” said Mr Newland.

“Staffing levels have been cut back to the bare bones which puts more pressure on the staff.”

The trustees said they were looking at other sources of revenue, including grant funding, urging people to take out subscription membership, sponsorship and support from local businesses.

They also announced the launch of a 100 club to try to generate cash.

But as well as money, the trustees appealed for help from volunteers, from fund-raising and helping with maintenance to drawing up a business plan.

Trustee Sharon Griffiths said: “We are trying our best but need help. This place is too important to lose and the community has to pull together and we need a ‘save Cardigan pool’ campaign out there in the community.

“The turnout tonight has exceeded all our expectations and now we know we have your support, we also need your practical help and suggestions.”

Those attending the meeting highlighted how important it was to keep the facility open and the good work that went on at the pool. It was also suggested that perhaps a portion of the revenue generated from the car park could be reinvested in the pool.

And in a show of support, Cardigan firefighters who had dug into their own pockets handed over a cheque for £280 on the night.

But as one person pointed out: “It’s all right being here but we now have to get off our arses to help. We have to follow this through. This pool changes lives – we need this pool.”

Following the meeting, Mr Newland said: “We are so encouraged by the turnout and grateful for the support we received from people tonight. It shows just how important the pool is to the local community.”

Town and county councillor Clive Davies said: “Given that the pool is just about covering its running costs that in itself is good to hear. What the pool needs is an injection of capital investment.

“Set a goal for £80,000 for example. Review and update the business plan and cashflow for the next year or so. Use these and engage with the wider communities of Cardigan on need and evidence this - those with needs due to disabilities, health issues, it’s a coastal town with people who need to learn to swim, more specialist groups who require fitness training, local rugby and football clubs, tri-athletes, the schools.

“I’ve already engaged with the trustees on ideas to involve the Welsh government support service Business Wales and also the steps to take towards small and large lottery applications as well as other sources of funding from the recently launched funding.cymru website.

“With the response from last night’s volunteer drive and a clear plan, the pool can continue. The longer term goal of say 10 years must however be a new facility for the area which combines all form of recreational and wellbeing activities.”