Pool goes to great lengths to tackle broken boiler

BOSSES at Mid Argyll’s public swimming pool have been forced to look at a new boiler after unexpected closures over the festive season.

Left with no option but to close because of technical difficulties, Graham Love, manager of Mid Argyll Community Pool (MACPool), said: ‘We are disappointed to have let our customers down but the closures have sadly been unavoidable.’

The technical difficulties involved a broken boiler, said Mr Love. The auger, a corkscrew mechanism that feeds the woodchips into the biomass boiler, had sheared. After being repaired, it broke again just over a week later.

The boiler was one of the first biomass boilers to be installed in Mid Argyll and, after 15 years of use, parts have been weakened and worn.

As the renewable energy industry has developed, in particular biomass boiler technology, a replacement auger would most likely have to be specially made abroad for the ageing boiler at the swimming pool.

Before these recent closures, board members were already in discussions about replacing the entire heating system. As this was scheduled to take place at the end of the month it was decided repairing, rather than replacing this specific part, would be, financially, more logical.

A new heating system will cost in excess of £100,000 but is viewed by board members as a necessary cost. MACPool is now seeking support and funding for a more fuel efficient upgrade that will save the organisation money in the long run.

Mr Love added: ‘The recent closures have galvanised our plans for a system replacement. Last year MACPool received support for the project with a donation from the well-known familyrun bakery business Tunnocks. We are now asking local organisations and private individuals to come forward in support.

‘MACPool is appealing to individuals and businesses throughout Mid Argyll wishing to support our aim of health and wellbeing for all. The board at Mid Argyll Community Enterprises has set aside reserves to fund replacement of the boiler. However, additional funds are required.’

Businesses able to support MACPool should contact Graham Love on 01546 606676, or a board director. Details of directors are available at macpool.org.uk.

Individuals who are taxpayers can make the most of their donation by using gift aid – a form is available on request from MACPool.