Volunteers fear more damage could shut the lido for good

Doors and windows at the outdoor pool at Brynamman have been smashed and fires started in the outbuildings.

Volunteers who run the complex, built in the 1920s by miners donating a penny a week from their wages, say more damage could close it for good.

Police are investigating the attacks at the pool which is popular with youngsters across the Amman Valley during the school summer holidays.

It is a poor community and few of the children will go on holiday - coming here is their holiday which is why it is important to keep it going Bronwen Price

Owned by Carmarthenshire Council, it is kept going by a group of 15 volunteers who run the pool when it is open, fundraise and help carry out repairs.

Last year nearly 500 children spent their summer enjoying outdoor swimming there.

Lido association secretary Angela Russell said: "We are worried that if the vandalism carries on is going to preclude it from opening.

"It would be desperate if we could not have it as last season we had almost 500 youngsters registered with us from all over the Amman Valley and further afield."

Fellow volunteer Bronwen Price said: "It is a poor community and few of the children will go on holiday - coming here is their holiday which is why it is important to keep it going.

"There is not a lot for children to do - especially if they don't like rugby. This is something that draws children from all parts of the community."

Angela Russell by the original 1920s iron turnstiles

Hundreds of lidos were built across the UK in the 1920s and 1930s to promote healthy living but many have now closed.

The one at Brynamman is the last in south west Wales and still has many of its original features including iron turnstiles and wooden changing hunts.

The council provides �7,000 a year funding but the volunteers have to make up the rest of the running costs.

Some have also taken life guard, first aid, food hygiene and swimming pool management courses so they can help keep it going.

Community safety police officer Rob Chapman said: "I don't think those that are doing the wilful damage really appreciate the damage they are doing to the community and what the effects might be.

"It's just a shame because it's a lovely facility for a village to have.

"When you go there in the summer there are lots of children and adults having a great day out."

He said anyone who knows who is responsible should either contact the police or Crimestoppers if they did not want to give their name.