A COMMITTEE attempting to raise funds to save a much-loved village pool is making an 11th hour appeal to the community, as it has just days left to hit its target.

The Great Tey Community Swimming Pool Committee is hoping to raise enough money to resurrect the derelict pool at the village school.

The pool was first built at the Great Tey Primary School more than 40 years ago but was closed in 2014 due to the cost of its upkeep.

Now, the committee is hoping to redevelop the pool and turn it into a pool for everyone to use.

The committee has planning permission to lengthen, deepen, cover, and rebuild the pool with changing rooms, shower, and toilet facilities.

Pupils from the village primary and other local schools would use the pool during the day, with people of all ages having access during the holidays, evenings and weekends.

Villagers in the community have already raised almost £54,000 through organised events as well as grants and pledges.

Following this, the committee launched its crowdfunding page, in the hope of bringing in an additional £5,000.

Committee chairman Alec Brooks said: “The whole project will cost about £220,000 and we know this is a big target for a village of fewer than 400 homes, but we have been delighted with the response so far.

“The people of Great Tey have big hearts and they are supportive of this project.

“It is essential the crowdfunding page does well to help demonstrate this to organisations when we apply for grants.”

Now, with little time left before the page expires, the appeals sit at £1,000, hoping to get to its target before it’s too late.

Mr Brooks added: “Many of our supporters have happy memories of using the old outdoor swimming pool at the school, which closed in 2014 and fell into disrepair.

“The original pool was built by the community, so we took the plunge and decided to replace it with a facility for everyone.

“We would be grateful for donations of any size before the June 10 deadline.”

To donate, visit bit.ly/3z20CgE.