Help keep Arundel swimming in new community campaign

An historic Arundel swimming pool is turning to the community for help as it launches an ambitious £500,000 campaign to secure its future.

Arundel Lido, which has been at the heart of the town for more than 65 years, needs major investment as essential parts of its infrastructure reach the end of their working life.

The pool needs to be relined, while vital pumps and other equipment need to be repaired or replaced to ensure it can continue operating safely and efficiently for years to come.

The charity which runs the pool has now launched its Keep Arundel Swimming campaign, with the aim of raising £500,000 over the next 12 months.

The money will pay for essential work including:

• New circulation pumps

• A new chlorine pump

• A new pool tank

• Relining the pool to keep it watertight

Any surplus funds raised will be used towards future projects and the running costs of the Lido.

The fundraising appeal comes as the Lido has also been dealing with a series of break-ins over the past month, with young people accessing the site at night.

Lido Manager Nikki Richardson said: "This is not only extremely unsafe, but it is also damaging vital equipment, including the pool cover, which is costing us huge amounts to repair.

"If anyone knows anything about the people doing this, please contact the police. We have CCTV images and are working with the police as they investigate."

Despite the challenges, trustees are determined to protect the Lido and ensure it remains part of Arundel for future generations.

Stephen Sampson, Chair of Trustees at Arundel Lido, said: "Arundel Lido is a very special place. For many of us it's where we learned to swim, where we've spent summer days with family and friends, and where our children and grandchildren are now creating memories of their own.

"As a charity, we rely on the support of our community to help us protect this incredible facility. These essential works will ensure the Lido remains open, safe and welcoming for generations to come.

"Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help us keep Arundel swimming."

The trustees are planning a series of fundraising activities and events over the coming months and are encouraging the whole community to get involved.

People can make a donation, take part in an organised event, set themselves a sponsored challenge, encourage their workplace or local business to become a sponsor, or simply continue supporting and using the Lido.

Throughout the campaign, the Lido will share stories from the people who use and love the facility, announce fundraising events, celebrate its supporters and provide regular updates on progress towards the £500,000 target.

To support the Keep Arundel Swimming campaign, donations can be made through the Lido's Crowdfunder page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/QWw0xrVn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink or in person at Arundel Lido.