Bad weather hits pool takings

The awful weather has hit takings at the Pells and the pool has already stayed open for a week longer than the planned end of the summer season.

With the forecast of an Indian Summer, Phil Ransley, pool manager, will call in lifeguards and open every day from 3.30pm to 7pm if the weather is good.

Conrad Ryle, chair of the Pells Pool Community Association, said: 'We've had a really dreadful summer.

'But that's always the risk with open air swimming pools.

'Fortunately, we have a financial cushion from previous good years.

'We're especially grateful for the support of our season ticket holders and the cheerfulness of our staff who kept smiling through a succession of rainy days.'

Earlier in the summer the Pells Pool Community Association unveiled exciting plans to revamp the pool and to extend the cafe, in attempt to safeguard the financial future of the much-loved facility.

The aim is to open up the cafe throughout the year and weekends to serve people visiting the park.

The plans are currently on display at the Pells and have the support of Lewes Town Council which has contributed 10,000 a year to the pool in the past five years.

But more money is needed to pay for the changes and the association is set to make a number of bids for funding.

An outdoor table tennis table, and a variety of sports and play equipment is already available at the Pells as a result of a grant from Lewes Area Play Council.

To find out if the pool is open call 01273 472334.