THE historic tidal swimming pool at Bude in North Cornwall has been under threat of closure and demolition since Cornwall Council withdrew funding for its lifeguards from the end of this season.

Now the Friends of Bude Sea Pool have come up with a cunning plan which may help to fund the pool in future — a small number of high quality, poolside beach huts.

These wooden-faced, block-built structures would benefit from the amazing view from the top terraces above the Sea Pool and out across Bude bay, with excellent access to the pool, of course!

The FoBSP are aware that it's vitally important to retain the Sea Pool's unique charm, and the possible design of these beach huts is being carefully considered to best enhance the poolside atmosphere.

The Friends of Bude Sea Pool expect to be able to offer a limited number of beach huts for long-term lease to FoBSP members and welcome initial enquiries from anyone who might be interested in leasing a hut from April 2012.

The next open meeting of the Friends of Bude Sea Pool is on Tuesday September 13 at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude, at 7pm. All Sea Pool and beach hut enthusiasts are very welcome to attend – you can register your interest in a beach hut at that meeting, or contact the FoBSP's Beach Hut Co-ordinator, Martyn Holehouse on 01288 356935, or via [email protected]">[email protected]