CIRENCESTER'S only outdoor swimming pool is officially open for summer and visitors of all ages have been lining up outside the gates to go for a dip.

This could be the last year the popular town centre swimming pool is open in its current state, as a huge renovation process is currently underway. Work is now moving a bit slower for the summer while children and adults enjoy using the pool.

A new and improved pool, in the same location, will be opening in time for summer 2016.

The idea for renovation came about after the pool committee decided the 146-year-old attraction needed a true face lift.

Every winter committee members work tirelessly to raise funds to make sure the pool can open for another summer. They are now working on upgrading the inner workings of the pool to make sure they do not have to go through this "viscious cycle" again.

The much-needed upgrade will see the layout of the outdoor pool completely transformed, with the changing rooms moved from the back of the pool to the front, to keep visitors from trudging through the sun-bathing area to get changed. The inner-workings of the pool will also be modernised

The theme of the new pool will be based around all the town's heritage combined with new facilities with the aim to create a "first-rate attraction" for Cirencester. The design will be carried out by Nigel Chute of Chute Design and Simon May of May Media of Cirencester under their “Conceptualise” brand.

"Do you want to be part of Cirencester’s future history?" said Nigel Chute. "As part of the rebranding we are looking for any old materials, especially photographs, showing life in and around the pool across almost 150 years.

"These could be incorporated into a mural-style design located at the pool itself."

Call 01285 239016 for more information on how to get involved in the renovation project.

More to follow.