Axminster's Flamingo Pool secures £8,800 grant from Sport England emergency fund

The Axe Valley Swimming Association, which runs the Flamingo Pool in Axminster, has received an £8,800 grant to help with expenses during the coronavirus crisis.

The association is one of a number of sporting organisations in the Axe Valley to receive grants to help them keep their heads above water.

Steve Buxton, manager of the Flamingo Pool, now in its 22nd year, said they were delighted to have been awarded the grant.

The £8,800 grant from Sport England's Community Emergency Fund, will cover one month's cost of water, gas and electricity.

The pool has been closed throughout lockdown and association members are meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to consider advice from the government concerning reopening of the pool.

Mr Buxton said: "We do not know when we will be allowed to open yet. The number of people using the pool will be vastly reduced. It's going to be very difficult."

The Flaming Pool is a registered charity and depends heavily on fundraising and donations, especially from the Axe Valley Show which was originally launched to raise money for the pool.

Last year the show raised £30,000 for local good causes, including the pool, but this year's event was cancelled due to covid-19.

Other sports organisations in the Axe Valley to receive grants from Sport England included Seaton Cricket Club (£4,495), and Axe Cliff Golf Club (£8,500).

The community emergency fund was put in place to deliver immediate funding to those sports organisations most in need.