Broken-down filter threatens lido

Bad weather in the last two summers has put off swimmers

A Gloucestershire lido is battling for survival after a failed filtration system added to a disastrous summer.

Volunteers who run Cirencester open air pool said it would cost £20,000 to replace the 80-year-old equipment.

The pool, which is leased by the town council, has lost thousands of pounds in revenue over the last two years because bad weather put off swimmers.

Committee chairman George Brazier said it was hoped the money could be found through fund-raising and donations.

"We've had problems in the last year or two and it came to a head this summer, if you can call it a summer, it was disastrous for us.

"The filtration system was built in 1927, it's irreparable now, we've had the professionals in, they've emptied everything out of it, it's so corroded, nothing can be done."

The pool is closed for the winter season and is due to reopen next May, provided the repairs can be made.