A COMMUNITY group working to raise funds to renovate a popular park paddling pool has been hit with a bombshell - they only have until Monday to raise almost £84,000.

The Friends of Hamworthy Park (FoHP) have been working to finance the revamp of the pool at Hamworthy Park.

They've already raised £25,000 towards the project and, up until earlier this month, had been told the project was going ahead.

David Harris, FoHP trustee explained: "We were informed by council officers that the paddling pool project is underfunded by approximately £83,600.

"We were told that this additional funding must be found by January 21 in order for the paddling pool refurbishment to commence.

"As you can understand, we were shocked.

"The amount needed and the timescale given to raise the funds seem designed to spell the end of the paddling pool project."

FoHP said they had worried about a potential funding gap, as in late November a £50,000 funding bid was lost.

Mr Harris explained: "Council officers are looking for alternative funding but sufficient funds have not been forthcoming with only days now remaining to the deadline. In the meantime, FoHP will continue to do everything we can to get this project over the line.

"We have released the £25,000 raised by the local community towards the construction of the pool and have offered an additional £6,000 to the funding pot.

"We are talking with various funding providers and will spend the remaining time up to January 21 approaching local businesses and looking for additional donations wherever we can find them."

The free facility, which opened in 1931, was last renovated in 1999, however the base and lining of the pool are damaged and will no longer be repairable in three to five years’ time.

Poole mum Louise Makey said: "We use the paddling pool a lot during the summer months. It is a brilliant idea for the children and its something you can do that is fun for the children but doesn’t cost a fortune.

"We always buy something in the café as well so helping them. It is a place where you can arrange to meet friends and family and it as a great day out."

If you can help, contact the FoHP treasurer, Stan Chatterton, on 01202 568173.

Visit the FoHP's Mydonate page, or email them on friendsofhamworthypark@hotmail.com for further information.