After enduring one of the most difficult years in its history due to COVID-19, the Flamingo Pool in Axminster have proudly announced they have been awarded the Community Swimming Pool of the Year 2020/21 by Prestige Awards for the South West of England.

The judges review the quality, efficiency and delivery of the product/service provided, with decisions being made based on service excellence, industry recognition, employee satisfaction, marketing and branding, ethical practice and customer feedback.

The judges were impressed with the Flamingo Pool's community ethos as well as cleanliness, helpful staff and excellent service provided to the local community of Axminster and beyond.

For the last 16 years Prestige Awards have been running national and international awards under the Luxury Travel Guide and Corporate Live Wire platforms.

In 2018 they introduced regional awards to recognise businesses that are extremely successful and hard working on a local level. Judges consider whether the individual or business is providing the best product/ service in their particular sector or industry.

A statement from the Axe Vlley Swimming Association, the charity which runs the pool, said: "Thank you so much to every single one of you who have ever supported us in any way.

"This award is for you. We can't wait for the restrictions to ease so we can bring all activities back for you once again, but in the meantime please come along for a splash at your safe and friendly Community Swimming Pool of the Year.

"The staff at the Flamingo Pool wish to thank all customers, supporters, patrons and the wider community for their on-going support through this difficult period whilst they navigate a way to ensure the future sustainability for this fantastic community facility."

The Flamingo history

The Flamingo Pool was brought to reality by a massive community effort to raise funds following a lottery reversal of decision to fund the project.

Local residents pulled together to ensure that the project became more than just a pipe dream. A steering committee was formed and worked tirelessly to find funding for the 25m pool and the country's first 6m2 hydrotherapy pool open to the public. It has been at the heart of the community ever since.

The Flamingo Pool aims to provide and maintain an eco-friendly public community swimming pool for the benefit of the residents and visitors of Axe Valley by offering the best aquatic activities in a safe and enjoyable environment, a high standard of affordable exercise, fun facilities, teaching programmes, classes and local employment opportunities.

Using solar panels and pool covers lowers the carbon footprint and saves money. Both pools are disinfected by ultra-violet (UV) light so that the level of chlorine in the pools is approximately a third of a normally disinfected pool.

The Flamingo Pool is open to all. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult of 18 or over.

The pool welcomes any donations and volunteers to help fundraise and and secure sponsorships.

Coping with Covid-19

The Flamingo Pool has been hit hard throughout the enforced UK lockdowns dealing with the financial implications during the last 15 months.

The Flamingo Pool, receives no external funding.

This, coupled with dramatically lower visitor numbers and mounting costs of being closed, and the impact of loss of income, left the Flamingo Pool in more of a desperate situation than after the initial lockdown period.

The pool currently is open on restricted hours to compensate for lower numbers and save money where possible during quieter periods. This has been extended once again with the latest government news that lockdown will not be easing on June 21.

The Flamingo Pool's message is to preserve the pool moving into the future we urge people to come back and support us in any way they can.