A GROUP of parents and teachers in Soham have joined forces to try and raise funds for the refurbishment of a derelict school swimming pool.

A GROUP of parents and teachers in Soham have joined forces to try and raise funds for the refurbishment of a derelict school swimming pool.

The outdoor pool at St Andrew’s Primary School at the heart of the village was officially condemned at the start of the last school year but the recently formed group is hoping to raise the thousands needed to bring it back up to scratch.

The group will hold its first official meeting on September 23, but parents and local businesses in the town are being urged to come forward and offer their support to the project.

Headteacher at St Andrew’s Richard Liddington, told the Ely Standard: “We are desperate to replace the pool and put a new cover on it so that we can get the children out and swimming again.

“The pool is more than 20 years old and was formally condemned last year so the school governors came together and decided to try and raise the funds to replace it. It is a real shame that we have lost this facility.”

The group have already submitted a finding bid to the National Lottery’s People’s Millions initiative and several local parents have lined up fundraising activities, including a sponsored swim.

The group estimate that the cost of replacing the old pool alone will come in at about �25,000 with a cover likely to cost several thousands pounds more. The group hopes to have the funds raised and the work completed in time for the summer term of 2011.

“More than 10 per cent of our parents said they would be interested in getting involved with fundraising,” said Mr Liddington, “The governors are really committed to replacing the pool and we have formed a similar committee which we hope lots of people will join.”

To get invovled with the group contact St Andrew’s School or email: pool@st-andrews-pri.cambs.sch.uk.