SWIMMERS are being urged to visit a pool saved from closure to ensure it becomes a success.

Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool officially took control of the pool yesterday, after The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) - which previously ran the pool - announced the handover.

Andrew Calverley, chair of Friends of New Earswick Swimming Pool, urged the public to “support your local pool”, following its reopening after the Christmas period, and said there were more chances than ever for people to use the facility.

He said: “We need people and groups to use the pool as much as they can now to make sure it becomes a thriving success and major asset to the community, which is the reason it was saved in the first place."

“One improvement of the new community management of the pool is that, thanks to the generosity of the New Earswick Swimming Club, who are providing lifeguards, we are able offer three sessions every weekend for people to pay at the door and come for a swim.”

Anyone interested in hiring the pool or joining the Friends should email friendsofnewearswickpool@gmail.com.