A THRIVING swim school in St Columb Major received a special visit to help secure its future.

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire and Cornwall Council Leader Leigh Frost were given a tour of Fitness 4 U at the Lanvale Estate, which provides a range of swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and specialised aquatic therapy services.

One of the highlights was a demonstration of the pool gym equipment being used by clients who were rehabilitating after surgery.

Mr Maguire and Cllr Frost were also able to see one of its young swimmers using the static swim belts, a Splish Splash session and the sensory pool.

Fitness 4 U director Jan Ebbs described ways the centre could serve the public further and increase partnership working with both the NHS and the local authority if the facilities could be upgraded.

Mr Maguire and Cllr Frost pledged to look at what funding streams are available to help keep the centre afloat after learning the facility needs to generate more than £3,000 a month due to rising energy bills.

Cllr Frost said: “It is great to visit and understand what goes on.

“It is not a place I was aware of, so it was an opportunity to see the help it provides people to access swimming.

“Cornwall Council is keen to work with groups to provide a positive outcome.”

Mr Maguire said: “We will see how we can support Fitness 4 U with funding streams.

“Their biggest cost is heating which is rising all the time

“We can look at best practice from other leisure centres such as Wadebridge and Camelford who use innovative heating systems to see if something similar can be used.”

Jan said: “It was great to have an opportunity to see what help is out there and make connections as a lot of people do not know we are here.

“We began in 2002 with nine pupils and now we have more than 700 children learning to swim.

“Our premises is rented and although the space is a safe space for many it is far from ideal in terms of facilities and size limitations.

“Insulation in the building is a major issue. We aim to keep both pools heated to approximately 33 degrees. This causes major issues with condensation and means our electricity bill is approximately £3,000 a month during the winter months.

“There is so much more we could offer. We are looking at aqua-natal, an exercise class designed for pregnant women, an exercise with baby class and expanding the number of rehabilitation classes.

“We would love a purpose-built building which could allow us to diversify further.

“However, just the ability to insulate this building, upgrade the pools and surrounding pool sides, would be a massive improvement.

“We believe we have created a swim school that nurtures clients of all ages and abilities and supports people on their individual journey of wellbeing, health and fitness.”