CAMPAIGNERS are “100-per-cent confident” a popular paddling pool will reopen next summer following its controversial shutdown.

Civic chiefs say they have found the money needed to fund vital improvements to the 45-year-old facility at Testwoood Recreation Ground in Totton.

The pool was kept closed this summer because it failed to meet modern safety standards.

Staff had always used a bucket to tip chlorine into the water, but Totton and Eling Town Council was warned that the pool needed an automatic chlorination system to ensure the right amount of chemical was present at all times.

The facility stayed shut amid warnings that installing the new system would cost £18,000.

As reported in the Daily Echo, angry residents vowed to raise the money themselves after the council claimed it did not have enough cash to fund the upgrade.

But the authority later decided to go ahead with the scheme and carry out additional improvements at the same time.

Plans to make the pool “disability-friendly” by installing ramps and hand rails could result in a total bill of £40,000.

The council is dipping into its savings and is also hoping to obtain a grant from Hampshire County Council. The fundraising campaign launched by residents has netted £7,000, while keeping the pool closed this summer has saved £10,000.

Town councillor David Harrison said he was “100-per-cent confident” the facility would re-open next year.

Neville Penman, a fellow member of the authority, added: “The money has been set aside and whatever happens the pool will be refurbished.

“I’m delighted – it’s used so much by so many people and it’s essential to get it open.”

Trevor Newbury, one of the parents who launched the fundraising campaign, said the pool was “certain” to reopen next year and added: “I’m incredibly pleased.

“The facility is part of Totton and a staple of Totton life. It’s somewhere that people can socialise and their children can play.”

Town clerk Derek Biggs said the approach of winter meant work was unlikely to start until the end of March or beginning of April.

Asked about the decision to carry out additional improvements he added: “Meeting all the current standards involves a lot more work than originally thought.”