A POOL for disabled people has raised just a quarter of the money needed to carry out urgent repairs, despite months of fundraising.

Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, which launched a fund-raising appeal in September, needs to carry out urgent work on the ventilation system, but has raised just £25,000 so far.

Staff are still hoping the work, which was originally expected to cost £135,000 but is now estimated at £100,000, can take place in the summer.

Pool manager Neil Mont-gomery said: “It is very slow. We are not doing as well as we hoped.

“We have had quite a few knockbacks, but the way the economic situation is, it is sort of expected in a way.

“A lot of people who helped the pool in the past haven’t come forward this time. We have still not given up hope. We might try and not do the whole lot first. We are looking at different options, it’s all up in the air.

“The work is going to get done. The generosity from the general public and our pool users with coffee mornings and collection boxes has been fantastic. “We are just waiting for the big companies to come in.”

The pool, in Jefferies Avenue, which has about 700 visitors a week, is several degrees warmer than a normal swimming pool because many of its users are unable to move around as freely as more able-bodied swimmers and may get cold. But the humidity is a stifling 90 per cent because of the poor ventilation.

If money to start the project is not raised, the pool will not be able to operate in the summer because the temperature and humidity could cause breathing problems for many users.

Work is needed to replace the pool area ventilation system, as well as the ventilation system in the changing room. Repairs are also needed on the changing room ceiling.

“Any help we can get will be really appreciated,” said Neil.

Three charitable trusts and foundations have said they will pledge funding totalling £13,000 when 75 per cent of the total funding has been reached.

To donate to the pool, call 01793 496002, email info@thames downhydrotherapypool.com or search for Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool on Facebook.

Cheques should be made payable to Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool Assocation.