A fundraising campaign set up to secure the future of one of Cumbria's oldest swimming pools has officially reached the £2,000 milestone, while a new sponsorship board scheme has also been launched.
Wigton Baths launched their 'buy a tile' campaign as an initiative that would benefit the swimming pool both financially and environmentally.
The scheme will enable them to undertake essential works to make the building more energy efficient which will reduce running costs, which have more than tripled in recent years amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
For just £5, people can buy a tile which will go towards a new pool cover, the erection of steel framework and insulation, tiling internally, and a new boiler.
It is hoped that the work will be completed before the winter.
The scheme has certainly proven popular with local people, many of whom will have enjoyed the pool regularly in its 123 years of serving the local community.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the cost of living crisis has seen the gas prices at Wigton Baths increase from £900 a month to over £3400 a month, and now the trust are appealing for help, in the form of donations, volunteers and fundraising initiatives to ensure that the pool can continue to serve the community.
Wigton Baths Trust are still hoping to raise £15k from the fundraiser, but to reach £2k (£2,320 at the time of going to press) represents a significant step in securing the future of the community spot.
Trustee Louise Baxter said "Wigton Baths have been a key community resource for many years, providing a safe and enjoyable place for individuals of all ages to swim and relax. By upgrading the pool's energy efficiency systems, the Trust hopes to not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a healthier planet.”
Two weeks ago, Wigton Baths launched the corporate sponsorship boards which will be displayed above the new tiles on the two long walls. There will be 24 in total and they measure approx. 1.5m long and 1m high.
The cost is £250 for a year, with eight sold already. It is anticipated the boards will go up in November once the insulation works are completed.
Trustee Claire Shepherd added: “The response to the sponsor boards has been amazing. For local businesses it’s an affordable way to advertise their business to the thousands of people that use our pool in a year, as well as showing their support to their community pool. I urge anyone that is interested in a board to get in touch as soon as possible as once they are gone, they are gone."
You can email fundraising@wigtonbaths.co.uk to register your interest or read all the details and book your sponsor board at www.wigtonbaths.co.uk/sponsorship
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