The worst financial crisis in the 32-year history of Kingsteignton's community-run swimming pool means the gates look set to stay locked this summer, writes Nigel Canham.

The blow would affect the wider community and school pupils who enjoy lessons there.

Chairman Maureen Cole, close to tears as she spoke, warned that without at least £5,000 being found by March 13 there would be no alternative.

'We are absolutely desperate, we have no money to pay the wages,' she said.

'The summer was horrendous, people are short of money and just weren't coming in. Funds have been low before, but never been as low as this, by far.

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