The plans are in place, the support is unanimous and now the hard work starts as Silsden parish council battles to reopen the former Hothfield school swimming pool.

As reported in the Keighley News, the parish council recently stepped in at the last minute and saved the pool from permanent closure when school governors decided it was too much of a drain on the school's funds.

The council committee set up to oversee the running of the pool, Swimstart, hopes to open the pool as soon as possible but needs money and supplies to carry out urgent repairs to the pool.

Joanne Conway, Swimstart's administrative co-ordinator, says: "We need approximately £10,000 so the work can be carried out before April.

"We've applied for various grants and we've a good chance of success if we can show support from the community."

She says they are already well on their way to making their first £1,000, but are keen to step up their campaign.

Swimstart has made a 'wish list' of all the supplies and equipment needed to make the pool a safe and clean environment in which to teach children to swim.

Mrs Conway says: "Remember, no child from Silsden has drowned since the pool has been in existence. Let's keep it that way."

Two seminars have been organised at the pool, to be renamed the John Stanley Bell Memorial pool, at which local businesses can see the pool for themselves and inspect Swimstart's ambitious plans.

This week the Keighley News throws it own weight behind Swimstart's appeal and has printed in full their 'wish list.'

Over the next few months we will regularly reprint the list along with the names of the benefactors.

For more information on making donations or attending the seminars on Tuesday, November 28 and Thursday, November 30 call Joanne Conway on 01535 654309.

* Silsden parish councillors are once again considering charging a precept to help them fund the town's pool.

The pool, which has just been taken over by the parish council, is in need of about £10,000 worth of repairs and improvements and the council is looking at precepting as one method of raising the money.

At a meeting of the parish council last week, councillors discussed whether the people of Silsden would support such a tax increase. One suggestion was to canvass the opinion of the town.

Councillor Jakki Birtwistle said: "The only way we are going to find out one way or another is if we ask."

Cllr Michael Elsmore added: "We will find out whether people are interested or not."

Cllr Chris Atkinson said: "The only way to do it is to put something out to every house. It's the best way of doing it.

"You're talking about taking £1 or £2 out of old granny's purse. I'm strongly against it until you go to everyone."