The Flamingo Pool in Axminster has taken the difficult decision to remain closed for the time being, due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

The swimming pool has faced an incredibly challenging year due to the pandemic and has remained largely closed since last March, bar a 10-week period during August and September.

Being run by the charity Axe Valley Swimming Association, the pool has received no external funding from the local council or similar organisations, and has had to rely on donations from supporters to help it through the pandemic.

Assistant manager at the Flamingo Pool, Gareth Parker, said: "We have a JustGiving page set up to support the fight to save the variability and sustainability of the pool for the future, but this figure is just a drop in the ocean or so to speak.

"Our fantastic supporters and customers have helped where they can with donations and keeping their memberships active, but it is still a real struggle with losses around £9,000 a month being seen whilst being closed due to operational costs."

Although swimming pools are allowed to reopen under Tier 3 regulations, the Flamingo Pool Committee has taken the decision to keep the pool closed during January in the interest of public safety and due to the cost of reopening under COVID restrictions, also taking into account the proximity of Axminster to Tier 4 locations such as Somerset.

A statement from the committee read: "The Flamingo Pool apologies to all disappointed customers but hopes that they understand the decision and the reasons behind it. 

"The Flamingo Pool takes the public's safety very seriously and intend to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so with the current position to be revisited following the next government announcement." 

"Again, the Flamingo Pool thanks their customers and followers for their ongoing support and understanding."

Updates on the possible reopening of the pool will be made via its Facebook page and you can make a donation via its JustGiving page.