Penrith MP Neil Hudson has visited Wigton Swimming Baths to show his support for its improvement plans.
The baths are over 100 years old and are owned and managed by the Wigton Baths Trust, which took it over from Cumbria County Council in 2015.
In August 2018, Allerdale council planners approved the trust’s plans to develop the site and to create a new reception area, a multi-purpose meeting room and viewing gallery which will allow for a wider programme of activities.
It also means the pool will no longer have to close while lifeguard training is taking place, ensuring classes and lessons can continue.
The room will be available to hire for local groups as well as swimming pool birthday parties. Both rooms will be accessible by lift and stairs.
The additional reception area will create much-needed space for members of the public, and the tea and coffee facilities alongside the vending machines will allow for walkers and cyclists to stop in for a break.
The Wigton Baths Trust have already secured £80,000 conditional grant funding from Sport England towards the project and are currently moving to the next phase of the project, which is to install an access road directly to the site.
Dr Hudson said: “It was great to visit Wigton Baths and listen to the exciting plans for the redevelopment.
“These baths are loved by the community and it is fantastic to see the passion of the trust members and the users of the baths to see this succeed. I wish them the best in securing the funding and will do whatever I can to help to make this happen.”
