THERE will be all the fun of the fair as a community comes together to save a much-loved facility.

Testwood Club has organised a fundraising carnival day in support of the threatened Testwood paddling pool.

As previously reported the pool was closed due to safety fears as it does not have an automatic chlorine treatment system, which would cost up to £18,000 to install.

Its closure sparked a review by Totton Town Council into the future of the town’s three pools, based at Salisbury Road in Totton, Hangar Farm and Eling.

But the community have urged the council not to close the pools and have launched a major campaign to keep them alive.

So far more than £6,000 has been raised and more than 1,150 people signed a petition urging the council to keep all three of the town’s paddling pools open.

It is hoped the fundraiser on Saturday will help with costs so that Testwood paddling pool can reopen next summer.

The club’s grounds will be packed full of activities, including games, children’s rides, a disco and tombola, while dancers from Rachael Evans Dance School will also be there to entertain the crowds.

Lee Neale, 28, from Totton, a committee member of the club, said: “We heard about the problems with the pool so we wanted to help.

“Every summer it’s completely heaving. It’s only small but the whole community will use it on a hot day. As it’s been so hot this summer there’s nowhere for everyone to go.

“We’re one of the closest businesses to it. Also, this is a community club and we have a lot of events and live bands here so it’s just another thing we can do to support the community.

"We’re not just a working men’s club, we’re part of the community.

“It would be nice if people wrangled together to help.”

Hampshire County Councillor for Totton South and Marchwood Cllr David Harrison said: “It’s really obvious from the response I have had to the petition to save Testwood paddling pool that it’s a much valued community asset.

“The Town Council should have budgeted the necessary money to maintain it.

“In abundance of this, I welcome the community coming together in a positive way and if it means the council has to rely on a charitable handout then so be it.”

The carnival day will run from 1pm until midnight on July 25 at Testwood Club in Salisbury Road.

Entry is £2 and proceeds go towards the paddling pool. For more information call: 023 8086 3249.