Survey launched amid hope to reopen Walls swimming pool

THE TEAM behind the Walls swimming pool are upping their attempts to reopen the Westside facility as it seeks funding for a wind turbine and solar panels.

A survey has been launched for the community to fill in to help to show demand for the pool as part of funding applications.

Last year a warning was made about the possible permanent closure of the small pool due to rising energy bills.

The independent association which runs the pool plans to install a turbine and solar panels to make the facility more sustainable.

It has remained closed since the Covid pandemic struck in 2020.

The hope is to reopen the pool soon. However, due to running costs it would make a loss under the current set-up.

Among the questions in the survey is how often folk would use the pool if it re-opened, and whether driving to swimming in another area of Shetland puts them off.

There is an online survey as well as paper copies in the Walls, Aith, Bixter and Weisdale shops.

The association is due to apply to the local Coastal Communities Fund in the first instance.

This is a fund administered by Shetland Islands Council, which distributes money the local authority receives from the Crown Estate Scotland revenues.

In addition to the swimming pool there is also a sauna, disabled toilets and a lift for helping folk with additional needs into the water.