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Faversham Pools wins funding bid to resolve issues of cold showers after £45,000 grant

08:29, 17 August 2023

Cold showers have long been a bone of contention among swimmers at a town’s swimming centre.

But relief is in the pipeline after a grant application for £45,000 to fix the problem at the Faversham Pools was approved.

Faversham swimming pools was given the grant
Faversham swimming pools was given the grant

It will be welcomed by users who even started a petition and wrote letters in support of the bid, including Faversham MP Helen Whately.

Now it has resulted in the payout from the Valencia Communities Fund, via the Landfill Communities Fund.

The problems of cold showers have persisted despite a new boiler being installed in 2019, again with the support of a grant.

However, connecting a new boiler to the old pipework led to inconsistent water pressures and temperatures.

It revealed a need to improve waterflow through the building for all users and ensure the pool remains a compliant facility in light of financial pressures.

Faversham Pools maintenance manager Richard Willams, left, and general manager Jon Lazenby
Faversham Pools maintenance manager Richard Willams, left, and general manager Jon Lazenby

Joint-chairman of Faversham Pools, Michael Ellsmore, said: “Since 2019, the Pools have been continuously improving our infrastructure and we are delighted to receive funding from Valencia Communities Fund for a second time to help us achieve this.

“Not only will replacing the pipework fix our cold showers and ensure the pools remain a safe environment, but it also helps us reduce our carbon footprint, something we are increasingly passionate about.

“We have a long-term refurbishment plan but without investing in our plant infrastructure and mitigating the risk of total pipe failure our future and long-term stability would be at significant risk.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported this project.

“We still have a considerable way to go to achieve our long-term ambition, but it is reassuring to know we have strong backing from our local community and trusted funding partners who champion the work we are doing behind the scenes.”

Exterior view of Faversham swimming pool.
Exterior view of Faversham swimming pool.

Gareth Williams, the operations manager at Valencia Communities Fund, added: “Having helped the pools by providing efficient boilers, we were delighted to help again with funding towards delivering hot and cold water effectively to all areas of the pools.

“This project will help to secure the long-term future of this important community facility.”

The week-long work is due to start in October. The pools will be open but not the showers.

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