SCHOOLCHILDREN at Hothfield Street Junior School, Silsden, are to lose the use of their swimming pool unless a massive cash injection can be found at the 11th hour.

In a recent letter, chairman of governors Debbie McCartney and head teacher Jamesine Welch informed parents that unless a third party could be found to step in with money the pool would be closed at the end of this year's summer term.

The future of the pool - which is used by about 300 children from Hothfield Street junior and infants schools, plus in the evenings for swimming lessons and mothers and toddlers sessions - has been in the balance for some time

Teachers and governors had appealed to parents to pay voluntary contributions for the pool's up-keep but saw no significant increase in the money coming in. An initial large investment is needed to make urgent repairs to the pool.

Mrs Welch, pictured, says the pool needs a new liner costing £5,000, which only lasts four years, a new £3,000 computerised disinfectant system and new aluminium steps costing £1,500 each. The pool costs £2,000 each year to maintain.

Mrs Welch says: "Over the years many approaches have been made to the community, and largely there hasn't been a huge response. If there has been it might have been a one off which we are very grateful for. What we need is a group who will take on some responsibility for the long term fundraising.

The school's governors voted nine to one in favour of closing the pool rather than using the children's education budget to fund the annual costs.

Mrs Welch, says: "Obviously it's a shame when any facility has to go, but our top priority at the school is the general education of the children."

The pool is now due to close at the end of the summer term, but will not be decommissioned until April 2001 in the hope that a community group may be able to save it from permanent closure.

One parent who has recently received the letter from the school contacted the Keighley News to express his unhappiness at the pool's closure.

Steven Budims, of Taylor Avenue, Silsden, says: "I'll not berate a good school which nowadays finds itself responsible for the pool's running costs.

"I'd like to round on Bradford council. After all we pay very good money in rates and when I look around at the pay back compared to other areas, I think we're short changed."

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