A SWIMMING group in Pershore has been given a step or two in the right direction thanks to funding support from the community.
Members of the Pershore Paddlers swimming group are now enjoying newly installed shallow steps which allows members to get in and out of the pool at Pershore Leisure Centre without the need of special assistance.
The group, which runs swimming sessions for people with disabilities and special needs, did originally have a set of shallow steps but claim they mysteriously disappeared following the leisure centre redevelopment in 1999.
This led to organisers setting up a fund-raising project three years ago to get new shallow steps installed which was led by Pershore Rotarian Martin Butler who provided the voluntary group with design drawings.
The £2,500 cost of the new steps was met by a combination of Paddlers fund-raising and contributions from Pershore Rotary Club, Pershore Market Town Partnership and the town’s county councillor Liz Tucker.
Richard Arnold, Pershore Paddlers treasurer, told the Observer: “We would like to thank our sponsors for without whom the project would not have been realised, particularly Martin Butler for his time and efforts with the design.
“The new steps have been in regular use and any old members who could not get in and out of the water will now find it easy to do so and are welcome to re-join Paddlers.”
Swimming sessions at the club take place from 6.45pm to 8pm every Monday evening. For more information call Pershore Leisure Centre on 01386 552346.
