DEDICATED volunteers trying to re-open Beccles outdoor pool are celebrating news of three new grant awards totalling �20,000 which mean the facility is well on its way to opening this year.

DEDICATED volunteers trying to re-open Beccles outdoor pool are celebrating news of three new grant awards totalling �20,000 which mean the facility is well on its way to opening this year.

The funds are coming from Suffolk Foundation's Grassroots Fund, NHS Small Grants programme and the Broads Authority's Sustainable Development Fund.

Together with the recently secured British Gas Green Streets award of �140,000, which will fund an innovative ground source heating system, Beccles Lido Ltd said the funds would enable it to install a pool cover, as well as an automatic chemical dosing system.

This cost-reducing equipment will enable the chlorine and other chemicals needed to keep the pool's water pure to be dispensed when they are needed.

Shaun Crowley, a director of Beccles Lido Ltd, said: “Previously regular testing of the water by hand was necessary and dosages could vary because of inaccuracies in the measurement gauges.

“With the new system the technology will ensure that all the chemicals needed are dispensed in exact quantities, eliminating excessive handling and excessive dosages of chemicals, making the pool a safer place to work and a more pleasant place to swim.”

Reducing the pool's running costs is one of Beccles Lido Ltd's primary goals and the group says that a pool cover will be an enormous help in achieving this.

Mr Crowley said: “The cover will reduce the amount of water evaporating overnight and also help retain the heat generated by the ground source heating system, so that substantial savings on the cost of water and electricity will be made.”

The NHS Small Grants programme award will provide subsidised swimming.

Mr Crowley said the grants mean that Beccles Lido Ltd is well on its way towards opening the pool this year.

But he said there is still much to do and further funds are required if the pool is to open in May.

Anyone who can help with cash or in kind should contact Maureen Saunders on 01502 714911 or via info@beccleslido.com

Funds are also required to ensure the lido operates profitably once it is open. The group says that joining Beccles Lido's monthly lottery is one of the best ways to help. Application forms are available from various shops in Beccles, or can be downloaded at www.beccleslido.com or by contacting Mrs Saunders.