PETERSFIELD open-air swimming pool looks set to get a much-needed makeover, after the final funds needed for retiling were obtained. The pool has not been retiled for 40 years and the work is essential in order to bring it up to date, at an estimated cost of £75,000. Most of the money had been raised already through loans and grants, and on November 6 Vaughan Clarke attended an East Hampshire District Council community forum meeting to secure the final £5,000 necessary from developer's contributions. Mr Clarke said: "We need to move up into the 21st Century. It is one of the few swimming pools that can break even on the money coming in through the door." The breakdown of money raised so far was £20,000 from the pool charity reserves, a further £30,000 pool charity loan, £6,000 in public gifts, £4,000 in public loans, £2,500 from other grants, and a further £5,000 from the town council. The committee agreed approval for developer's contributions to finalise the funding of the project. Judy Onslow said: "I am always amazed at the amount of work that goes in to keep this amazing facility open." Elizabeth Cartwright added: "I fully support it. There aren't many pools left, and it's such a nice facility when the weather is good." Mr Clarke explained why the process of retiling was so expensive. He said for work to be done water had to be emptied from the pool, which uses £1,200 to refill. And he said it was important to keep the pool full of water even when not in use to avoid cracking of existing tiles. Work was expected to be done in early spring, with retiling in the close season.
