Borough Council grant helps upgrade local school’s swimming facilities

The secondary school, located in the village of Desford, received a grant award of £9,637.50 from the Hinckley and Bosworth Parish Community Initiative Fund.

Funds were awarded to support the costs involved in purchasing a new pool filter and installing a new chlorine gas detection system with a sensor and outdoor alarm unit.

The old pool filter vessel needed urgent replacement, and the new one will last up to 10 years plus a gas detection system was recommended on the latest service report and will help ensure the safety of staff involved in maintaining the pool.

Both school students and members of the local community use the pool on a regular basis. It plays host to an extensive learn to swim programme, disability swim sessions, and sessions for the public and community clubs.

Chris Ripley, LiFE Multi Academy Trust Facilities and Programmes Lead, said: "With a number of pools closing each week across the country it is great to have the grant support from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and the support of Desford Parish Council to help meet the costs of maintaining and running the pool."

Cllr Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, said: "Thank you for the opportunity to come along and see the completed works with the new filter and gas detection system working and in place.

"This is one of the more unusual grants we have been able to help with funding.

"I would like to thank all the staff that keep the pool running and to such a high standard of water quality extending the overall life of the faculty. It is vital for as many people as possible to have the ability to swim."