TWO swimming pools in the district have received a £176,000 funding boost to help them stay afloat in the face of rising operating costs.

The Pulse in Dursley and Wotton Pool will receive a government grant from the Swimming Pool Support Fund to help pay for heating, maintenance, and chemicals.

The Pulse - which is run by Stroud District Council - will receive £165,000 and the community-run Wotton Pool will receive £11,000. 

Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud was not eligible for the fund.

It follows a successful bid from SDC. 

John Buist, a trustee of Wotton Pool said: “Wotton Pool has enjoyed a very busy season but has experienced a doubling of its electricity costs and seen lifeguard pay costs rise significantly in the last two years. 

“These are the two largest costs in the pool's budget. 

“The Swimming Pool Support Fund award will help the pool to keep planning for the long term and ensure the much-loved facility continues to be available in future years.”

Cllr Beki Aldam, chair of SDC’s community services and licensing committee said: “We know that our leisure services including pools, and community-run facilities are valued by our communities. 

“Supporting our residents’ health and wellbeing is more important than ever and this funding is very welcome.”

The fund was announced at the March Budget by the government to support facilities with swimming pools.

A total of 196 leisure centres and swimming pools in 103 local authorities across the UK will benefit from this funding.

Gazette Series: The Pulse - which is run by Stroud District Council - will receive £165,000 under the grant The Pulse - which is run by Stroud District Council - will receive £165,000 under the grant (Image: Stroud District Council)

Lisa Dodd-Mayne from Sport England said: "We know just how vital swimming pools and leisure centres are to our nation’s activity levels, which is why Sport England is proud to have played a central role in the delivery of this fund. 

“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs.

“We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.

"This is part of our support for grassroots sports facilities with more than £400 million in order to achieve our ambitious target of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”