£500,000 appeal to save Shoalstone Pool from being 'lost for ever'

A £500,000 appeal has been launched to prevent Brixham's Shoalstone Pool from slipping into the sea and being lost for ever.

A report from consultant engineers has confirmed that the north western buttress of the pool has been compromised and the next five years - or a major storm - could see the total collapse of the popular attraction.

Trustees have mounted a Save from the Waves fund-raising campaign with the stark warning: "Time is running out."

A spokesman said: "£500,000 is urgently needed to deliver major works. We have less than five years to act, as a set of major storms could increase the risk of collapse further and shorten this time-scale. Losing this buttress would be the end of the pool and the end to a unique part of the UNESCO recognised Torbay Geopark. If we commission engineering works now, we can still save the pool and secure it for future generations as a safe seawater pool."

Shoalstone Seawater pool has been a sparkling space in Brixham since 1896 and is one of the few pools of its kind left in England. Built into natural rock, Shoalstone has been used for bathing since the Victorian era and is still a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.

The spokesman said: "We now need all hands to the wheel to help us. People can help by joining us as a volunteer - our fundraising target is huge and we need all the help we can get. One more Storm Emma and the pool could be lost to the sea forever."

A crack is widening in the pool decking by the sea wall. A full marine engineering inspection has concluded the northwest corner of the pool is being pulled away toward the sea.

The spokesman said: "The diagnosis is grim. Any violent activity could sweep it away. Even with kind conditions, each tide takes more of the original 1920s cement away."

The engineers have come up with a plan to save the pool with a major reconstruction project to replace the 1920s cement and to refix the northwest sea wall.

Grants are being sought but they will have to be match-funded

The spokesman appealed: "Please help us - donate today and pass the word to everyone who may want to help us save this very special part of our Devon heritage. If you are planning an event as a fundraiser for us - pub quiz, head shave, danceathon, whatever works - let us know and we shall publicise it wherever we can. Act now - together we can save the pool."

A new Crowd Funding page has been set up - https://gofund.me/c0a95ae8

For more information contact David Thomas, operations manager, on 07790 852 878 or email  david.thomas@shoalstonepool.com