CAMPAIGNERS are going all out to raise enough cash for a study into a new swimming pool for Guisborough.

A steering group says £10,000 is needed to take the venture forward.

The town council has already made it clear it cannot back the campaign with cash.

But at the council meeting on Thursday of last week, Coun Malcolm Griffiths said there should be more help from the borough council.

Steering group member Mrs Jill Slade was at the meeting to appeal for council support. She said: "People coming to swimming galas from other areas are horrified at the state of the pool and we are so embarrassed."

More than 5,000 people signed a petition calling for a new pool to replace the 40-year-old facility which serves the town at the moment.

After that, a questionnaire was circulated to gather ideas of what people would like to see included in a pool complex.

"So far group members and the local authority have met costs involved but we have now reached the point where a feasibility study is needed," said Mrs Slade. "We have been advised this could cost around £10,000 and we are looking for cash so we can proceed with this."

Coun Griffiths said: "Studies such as this should attract contributions from the borough council.

"This is one of fastest growing towns in the region and Redcar and Cleveland has the staff to do some of this work."

Chairman Coun Barbara Punshon said the council supported the group's aims.

"But we don't have the budget to provide the kind of funding you need," she said. "However, we will try and help in other ways and with moral support."

Coun Punshon said, for example, the Sunnyfield House community centre could be used for fundraising events.

"We could also urge the borough council to help in some way," she said.

Coun Keith Pudney said a strategic review to reflect overall demand for facilities was needed, rather than just keep adding items to a list.

Time for tea

A DISPLAY of hats in the window and homemade cakes will welcome customers to the Help the Aged shop in Yarm tomorrow.

Shop manager Mrs Shirley Rothwell and her team of volunteers are holding a Mad Hatter's Tea Party as part of national Make A Difference Day, which is aimed at encouraging people to volunteer some of their time for their community.

Who's the best?

THIRSK chamber of trade wants shoppers to nominate their best business person, shopkeeper or assistant. Nomination forms can be obtained from shops in the town, and should be handed in to Boots, Fox News, F Knowles or Tavea by tomorrow.