A popular Cumbrian swimming pool threatened by the cost of rising bills is set to hold a public meeting next week to discuss its future. 

Wigton Baths Trust revealed to the News & Star last month that it needs serious help from the community if it is going to survive, after has seen its gas prices increase from £900 a month to over £3400 a month amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The trust are appealing for help, in the form of donations, volunteers and fundraising initiatives to ensure that the pool can continue to serve the community, as it has done consistently since 1901. 

Although £70,000 was received as part of the Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, that isn't enough to make the pool sustainable long term. 

Now, on Monday May 20 at Wigton Bowling Club, the Wigton Baths Trust are inviting people from the local area to dive into a conversation and help to shape the long-term future of the baths. 

Trust member Claire Shepherd commented: "Since taking over the pool in 2015 we have worked hard to offer something for everyone in the local community. Communication is important to us, so we would like to extend a warm invitation for individuals and businesses to come along and hear our plans for the pool, plus bring along their ideas and fundraising suggestions.

"Wigton Baths have been fortunate to secure some funding with support from Cumberland Council for energy efficiency interventions from UK Gov Swimming Pool Support Fund [SPSF] unfortunately it does not fully cover all the works required. As a result we are exploring innovative fundraising strategies and we welcome the community input in helping us raise these vital funds."

Fundraising initiatives are already underway, with local man Raymond Milburn bringing in over £1000 with his charity disco night. 

He said: "When I saw the charity appeal, I wanted to help out because it's a place that is used by so many local people. It's somewhere that I went as a kid, and now my grandkids are going."