THE future of a community swimming pool is clearer after it was awarded £50,000 to upgrade its facilities.

Swimmers in Shap will receive the money from Sport England, if they provide them with the correct paperwork.

Shap pool committee treasurer Andrew Nobbs said the money was enough to ensure they were able to build a disabled access lift and disabled pool ladders.

The work is needed to comply with disability legislation which comes into force next year.

He was adamant that rumours the pool would close if more money was not found were false.

However, more work is required to recoat the inside of the pool and an appeal is ongoing to find another £50,000.

"We have to find other people who are willing to come in and back us," he said.

"We don't want to have to be seen grovelling on the streets. We would rather go through the correct channels and get sponsorship or funding."

He said backers could expect to have their generosity rewarded with a plaque on the piece of equipment or facility they helped provide.

For more information contact Mr Nobbs on 01931 716572.