Haslingden Swimming Pool cleaned-up by scuba divers (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden Swimming Pool cleaned-up by scuba divers

9:11am Thursday 1st December 2011 in Haslingden

SCUBA divers are being used to give an East Lancashire swimming pool a clean-up.

Haslingden Swimming Pool, which is 75 years old, had been set to be shut down because of its dilapidated condition.

But following a decision to keep the pool open, and spend cash earmarked for a new pool on other projects, local scuba enthusiasts have come to the rescue to make the facility look its best.

Paul Turner, from the Rossendale Sub Aqua Club, said: “We were happy to help out and keep the pool in a good condition.

“It isn’t difficult, it is just a basic training dive – but with some voluntary cleaning work done at the same time!”

Bosses said it was preferential to clean the floor of the pool by using divers, rather than the costly and lengthy process of draining it.

Pool manager Carole Fairhurst said it had made a noticeable difference with a number of customers commenting on how well the pool floor is looking.

She said: “As well as the kind help of the divers, we have been overwhelmed with local people offering to give up their time to help with various jobs.

“This has even led to a group being formed called ‘Friends of Haslingden Pool’.

“The group hopes to assist the pool staff with future maintenance work at the pool.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and kind offers of help.”