THE Cresta takeover group gathered Chard residents together for what they thought would be the charity’s final meeting - before an overwhelmingly positive public response gave them new hope.

Members of the Kingfisher Community Group met at St Mary’s Church last Wednesday with the intention of handing generous donations back to the public and winding down operations.

However, they were met with defiant opposition from members who insisted on keeping the pool dream alive, with proposals even made to try and take over the proposed leisure centre within Chard Refresh.

A spokesman for the Kingfisher trustees said: “The KCP group were pleasantly surprised with the positive nature of the meeting, despite the desperately sad outcome of Somerset County Council not agreeing to sell the pool to the community.

“At the meeting, several people spoke, and it was agreed that the Kingfisher Community Pool group, now with charitable status, will continue with it’s key focus being putting pressure on all Councils to ensure that the promised pool is built in Chard – in a prompt and timely manner.

“It was also agreed that the community would like to look to running the new pool, as a not for profit group – in the same format as the Crewkerne Aqua Centre is run.”

People will now be able to become an annual member of the Kingfisher Community Group for £1, and regular public meetings will be planned to discuss progress towards a new pool and maintain pressure on authorities.

Cllr Amanda Broom, who is one of the trustees, said: “The community spirit has been incredible over the last few weeks, and whilst the outcome was not as we had hoped, the fight is still continuing.

“The community have made it clear that they wish carry on with the Kingfisher group and campaign to ensure the promised pool is delivered in Chard.”

If you would like to become a member, email kingfishercompool@gmail.com.

Kingfisher soliticors fees amounted to £720, which was paid off by money raised in cash donations at Tesco and through the Chard Bake Off.

All other money, including donations made on the group’s JustGiving page is being reimbursed.