CAMPAIGNERS are 'buzzing' after a bid to bring a community swimming pool to Cullompton moves one step closer to reality.

Land at Padbrook Park hotel has been chosen as the site for the 25-metre pool, with the project also set to include car parking, changing rooms and toilets.

Owners Sue and Gary Scargill will join the Cullompton Swimming Pool Campaign and help with fundraising.

Sue, who is also a swimming teacher, said: “We will be thrilled to have the pool here - it is something we have always wanted at Padbrook, but have never been able to afford it.

“Everyone I've spoken to is buzzing about the idea. It will be fantastic to have our own pool right here in Cullompton.”

Discussions with architects are due to take place soon, so that not only designs but also costs can be finalised, allowing committee members to approach organisations like Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund for financial backing.

A programme of fundraising events for the coming year will be announced on November 1, in a bid to boost the already sizeable total of £27,000 to a target of £100,000, but the project will need funding from outside forces too.

Campaign committee chairman Dave Haslett said: “We need to prove to the funding organisations that there is genuine support and need for a pool in Cullompton, and that it would work as a self-funding enterprise.

“We are confident that this is the case, but there will be a lot of work to do over the next year or so to obtain the proof we need.”

This will involve finding out the views of the public through surveys and a petition, as well as seeking the support of healthcare agencies, schools and other organisations.

Dave added that it would be useful to have a few more people join the seven-strong committee: “We are close to getting the pool now and things will start to move quickly - it could be open in less than three years.

“If you have any interest in the pool and can spare a few hours each month, please come and see us at the AGM or at the Swimming Pool Shop in Fore Street.”

The AGM will take place at 7pm on November 1 at Community House in Fore Street.