A beloved community swimming pool will be out of action this year following concerns over costs.

The pool at Testbourne Community School is a staple of Whitchurch’s summer activities, with the pool opening in the summer months for the whole town to enjoy. However, due to the “significant costs” of running it, the school said it would not be opening this year.

Raising fears of another lockdown, the school said: “We are mindful that we are still in very uncertain times and any financial commitments and staff time put towards getting the pool up and running could all be for nothing if restrictions are again imposed.

“This is a risk the school is not prepared to take under the current financial challenges we face.”

The school’s community pool has been open for many years, and has previously survived potential threats that would have seen it closed.

In 2008, after the pool missed out on modernisation funding, the then-headteacher, Hilary Jackson, said the pool would be in trouble if it faced an unexpected repair bill.

She said: "At Testbourne, our swimming pool is a much-loved asset and we will not let it go without a fight should it face closure."

Fortunately, renovations were later carried out, and the pool has continued in community use. However, lockdown and the pandemic have, as with many organisations, put pressure on the school, which means it has taken the decision not to open the pool.

In a statement, Testbourne school said: “Unfortunately, we will not be opening the Community Swimming Pool this year.

“We have given this matter considerable thought and understand that the swimming pool is a facility much valued by the community.

“There are significant costs in getting the pool ready, running and maintaining it. The recruitment and training of lifeguards is another cost and pressure on administrative time. Staff are working hard to open up our school site and grounds for community use, but unfortunately we do not have the capacity to include the pool this year.

“We are mindful that we are still in very uncertain times and any financial commitments and staff time put towards getting the pool up and running could all be for nothing if restrictions are again imposed. This is a risk the school is not prepared to take under the current financial challenges we face.

“We hope everyone will understand our decision. It is our intention and that we will open the pool in 2022 and look forward to welcoming everyone back in more certain times.”

Residents reacted with dismay at the news.