HIGHWORTH'S open air swimming pool is getting a make-over. The charitable trust which runs the lido at Highworth Rec is splashing out £18,000 on re-painting the pool.

Workmen started sandblasting the pool basin this week.

New paving work has already been carried out around the poolside, which was visited by 21,000 people last year.

A toilet block has also been refurbished.

Phil Baker, chairman of the pool's management committee, said: "When people come this summer they will find a beautifully painted pool."

The lido, which was last refurbished around 10 years ago, was hit by vandals in the summer and suffered £5,000 worth of damage.

The pool is due to open for the summer season on April 27.