Flamingo Community Pool seeks community support ahead of planned 2027 transition

The trustees and staff of Flamingo Community Pool held a public meeting at the Guildhall in Axminster on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to talk openly with residents about worries over the future of the pool.

Flamingo Community Pool has been part of Axminster life for more than 27 years and welcomes over 40,000 swimmers every year. It is a charity‑run pool and does not receive regular funding from the local council or any other organisation. Over the years it has survived thanks to careful management, fundraising and the strong support of the local community.

Since the Covid‑19 pandemic, however, costs have risen sharply. Energy bills have increased and staff wages have continued to rise. Pool Manager Steve Buxton said the pool is facing ongoing financial pressures. He explained: “At the moment, our running costs are higher than our income, even before utilities are taken into account. This means the pool is finding it increasingly difficult to continue operating independently, despite the fantastic support we continue to receive from the public.”

The trustees and staff have worked applying for any grants available and making many improvements to the functioning and sustainability of the plant and building wherever possible. In the last two years the pool has installed solar panels on all roof areas, improved pumps and filters, switched to LED lighting and installed new boilers. These changes have helped reduce running costs, but overall expenses are still rising faster than income.

While looking at long‑term options, the trustees became aware that East Devon District Council (EDDC) is reviewing how its leisure services are run. With a new form of contract expected to start in January 2027 following a competitive tender process. After discussions with the council, Flamingo Community Pool has been included in this tender.

This would mean Axminster keeps a swimming pool for at least the next 10 years and links the pool into the council’s wider plans for leisure services across East Devon. Although this has been a very difficult decision, the trustees believe it offers the best long‑term future for swimming in the town.

A spokesperson for the trustees said: “It is sad for us that we have to hand it over, but there is a great amount of goodwill on both sides to get this delivered.  The council is aware and hopeful that the ethos and community spirit we have is maintained as much as is possible. The fact there will be a pool in Axminster for the foreseeable future is something that is more important for the community than who runs it.”

In the meantime, the pool must stay open until any new arrangements begin in January 2027. The pool is asking the local community for help once again. A large community fundraising event is being planned on Saturday 1 August 2026, alongside smaller events throughout the year.

Anyone who is able to donate, fundraise or help in any way is encouraged to get in touch with the pool team. Donations can be made through the Flamingo Community Pool website by clicking “donate”, by speaking to a member of staff at the pool, or by using the QR code displayed. Every donation, big or small, will help keep the Flamingo Community Pool open until a long‑term solution is in place.