A well-loved swimming complex is fighting to stay in business as it faces £20,000 monthly bills despite being closed during the lockdown.

With almost a quarter-of-a-million visitors each year, Faversham Pools is one of the town’s most popular attractions.

From May to September, the heated outdoor pool and rapids provide thousands with hours of summer entertainment, while year-round the indoor pools offer those of all ages and abilities the chance to learn vital swimming skills.

The attraction has thrived since it opened 56 years ago, with the community-funded outdoor pools opening in 1964, followed by the indoor pool in 1993. Last year, it was named the second-best lido in the country, in a Daily Mail ranking of the nation’s favourite swimming spots.

But the centre - a registered charity - was forced to close on March 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Since then, its income has evaporated, and bosses have been left struggling to secure its future.

All teachers, lifeguards and most other staff have been placed on the government’s furlough scheme, while managers and trustees have been desperately searching for ways to minimise costs.

But despite this, the charity faces bills of more than £20,000 each month to help cover essential maintenance, utilities and insurance.

With no idea when the pools will be allowed to reopen - and a real possibility they could remain shut all year - managers are urgently appealing for help.

Vice chair of trustees, Mike Henderson said: “We have to minimise costs so that Faversham Pools can survive until the government tells us it is safe to reopen.

“We hope that will be at some point during the summer season, but we recognise that the outdoor pools may not open at all this year.”

Fellow trustee Mick Ellsmore, who takes responsibility for finance, added: “Fortunately Faversham Pools trustees have worked hard over the last two years to build the Pools’ finances, so we do have reasonably strong financial reserves.

“The great unknown for us is the length of the shutdown. If we have a minimum three-month shutdown then our reserves should cope, although there will still be a major financial loss.

“If we lose the entire summer season’s income then the financial losses will clearly be even more serious.

“Either way, we are determined to survive and Swale Borough Council has been very helpful by paying half of our annual grant up front.”

The Pools’ charity is now fundraising to help meet the financial gap it is facing during this difficult time.

Chair of trustees Geoff Wade said: “We face serious challenges to protect the Pools’ future but I am thankful for the effort being put in by our team.”

Faversham Pools is asking swimmers to donate the cost of their usual swim - or whatever they can afford - by texting SPLASH followed by the amount they wish to give to 70085.

For other ways to support the Pools, visit www.favershampools.com/support.

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