A LOCAL charity has splashed out £1,000 to help a special pool which was attacked by vandals.

As reported in Monday's Advertiser, the hydrotherapy pool, in Jefferies Avenue, was targeted for the third time in just three weeks on Friday, taking the total damage to about £12,000.

The pool is used by scores of Swindonians including children with disabilities to help ease pain.

The Swindon Thamesdown Rotary Club has come forward with the cash and now the pool's management plans to use the donation to beef-up security.

Mike Slipper, the Rotary Club's president, said: "It is sickening that they have targeted something that is used by so many people particularly disadvantaged children.

"If they catch those responsible they should make them do community service there. Perhaps then they would realise just what an asset this pool is to the town.

"These attacks mean security will have to be stepped-up. This is a cost which the pool hadn't anticipated.

"Hopefully, this money can help cover some of it."

Mr Slipper said he knows from personal experience how effective the water treatment can be.

"Over the past year I have been receiving treatment there for an arthritic hip and a damaged knee, which I picked up skiing. It's definitely helped," he said.

"Many towns do not have a pool like this and these attacks have highlighted the need to support it."

The latest incident, which saw three large windows smashed, has fuelled speculation that the pool, which re-opened on Monday following the previous attack, may be the victim of a vendetta by youths prevented from using a play area in nearby Wheeler Avenue.

Pool manager Paul Charlwood said the money will be used to up-grade the existing CCTV system.

He said: "We do not want to go into great detail for fear of giving the culprits the upper hand.

"But we do plan to install more cameras and some of them will be concealed."

Mr Charlwood added that he has been overwhelmed by the support of the community.

He said: "Acts of kindness like this helps to restore faith in human nature. There are bad guys out there but there are more good guys, as this donation proves."

Anyone with information regarding the vandalism is asked to call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Kevin Shoesmith