CONSULTANTS have come to the rescue of a cash-strapped community swimming pool with a brief to draw up a project to secure its future.

At its core will be a five-year business plan aimed at securing the long-term stability of 40-year-old Settle Pool.

The pool committee has confirmed the appointment of sport and leisure consultants Strategic Leisure, which will help tackle the organisation's revenue problems.

The crisis follows Craven District Council's (CDC) removal of a £16,000 grant in a bid to combat its own financial squeeze.

Pool chairman Trevor Graveson said the aim was to increase income and minimise costs while developing new activities and sources of funding.

The business plan costs will be partly funded by a grant from North Yorkshire County Council's Stronger Communities programme.

Mr Graveson said: "Settle Pool is a vital community asset, and we get tremendous local support and we will do all we can to secure its future."

A Strategic Leisure spokesman said: "We are delighted to be working with Settle Pool to produce a five-year business plan and revise and update the constitution.

"This process will ensure the pool will be best prepared to enhance its contribution to the community and ensure long-term sustainability."

There had been a positive feedback from the trustees and work on the business plan will begin shortly, including public consultation.

The pool is self-financing, and without it, Settle residents would face a 46-mile round trip to Craven Pool in Skipton. Lighting and heating the building costs £50,000, while maintenance bills are also rising. It is a registered charity and there is an active Friends of Settle Pool group.

CDC has been working with Settle Pool staff for several months to give advise about sustaining its future, including support from the Craven Pool manager.

The aim is to make it as energy-efficient as possible to help bring down running costs.