A Just Giving page has been set up to raise £5,000 to keep a Port Erin swimming pool from closing.

The pool, which was previously owned by Cherry Orchard Apartments, was due to close after the company went into liquidation last year.

Swimming teachers Rebecca Mills and Ben Titley, have successfully gained management of the pool and are working together to restore the facility located on Bridson Street.

Rebecca said: ’I have ran one-to-one swimming lessons for the past five years at the Cherry Orchard swimming pool, building it up from one student to a successful and popular swim school for all ages and abilities.

’As you can imagine, I was devastated to find out that the Cherry Orchard were closing it and couldn’t bear the thought of not teaching again.

’We were told in October that they had gone into liquidation and were going to shut the pool. So Ben and I negotiated with them to get a fixed contract to take it over.

’This pool is such an important part of the community here and that’s why I’m determined to keep it open,’

’So far, the pool has gone through the first phase of renovations, which has cost a lot and soon I won’t be able to afford the payments,’ she added.

Luckily the pair have received generous support from community members, who have donated or helped renovate the pool.

Currently the crowdfunding page has raised nearly £400 towards the cause. Island artist James Duggan has also spray painted a large polar bear and turtle onto the walls.

’Many people have come in to rip up the carpets, paint the walls and give us a hand with the whole redevelopment of the place,’ Rebecca continued.

’We’ve had help from joiner John O’Sullivan, NK Plastering who’ve sorted the plumbing and heating and had Manx Mosaics by Elli design our logo called ’Aqua Phoenix’.

Without these people, we wouldn’t be where we are today.’

The pool is in its final stages before it will be opened to the public on Monday next week.

’However, we’ve still got some final touches to do so any donations are more than welcome,’ she explained.

Lessons run by Rebecca and Ben include stroke development, how to handle babies in the water, confidence and breath control for all ages.

See the crowdfunding page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rebecca-mills-3

Follow the progress via the ’One to One Swimming Lessons’ Facebook page.