CAMPAIGNERS fighting to get Haslingden Baths re-opened have been given a boost after a visit from assessors.

The Haslingden All People’s Pool Initiative (HAPPI) invited members of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to view the facility and see what condition it was in.

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And they believe it requires only minor work before it can be successfully re-opened.

Selina Hope, who founded the campaign group last summer, said the report had given them new hope, and they are now looking at applying for funding to get the ball rolling.

She said: “Haslingden Baths is not falling to bits; It is not in irreparable.

“The only ulterior motive I have is that I’d like to swim again, close to home. I am here to save a beautiful building, meeting place, and fitness centre.

“We have had a member of the ASA assess the pool, and they are very confident that with a little TLC, we can re-open Haslingden Baths.

“The ASA are advising we apply for a Sport England grant; they have supported pools in worse condition than this and they are now successful.”

Haslingden has been without a swimming pool since the baths closed in November 2013.

The 1930s pool shut its doors after Rossendale Council pulled the plug on its £137,000-a-year funding.

The council has considered selling the building but HAPPI was launched to try and block that.

HAPPI wants to develop the baths into a “well-known, top-class, affordable attraction, which provides leisure, fitness, education and employment”.

Earlier this month youngsters from Haslingden High School’s swimming club, the Haslingden Aces, backed the group’s campaign.

Since the closure of the pool they have been forced to relocate to Hyndburn Leisure Centre, in Church.

Members of HAPPI will be holding an event to find out more about the group on Saturday, May 23 at Haslingden High School from 1-4pm.