A pool which has served the community for ten years is closing at the end of the month.

The Community Pool, in the basement of Waltham Forest College, Forest Road, will close its doors to the public on January 31.

The Community Pool CIC say, under the terms of the current lease, it cannot generate the required capital to “create an environmentally efficient and economically viable swimming pool for the long term.”

The future of the pool is uncertain, but the directors of The Community Pool CIC and the management of Waltham Forest College have pledged to continue discussions in the hope it can reopen for community use and education in the future.

Karen Hayes, a director at the Community Pool CIC, said: “It is with regret, that we have had to inform the community of the pool closure, however, it’s a decision the directors have had to make given the current circumstances.

“We can only sincerely apologise for the impact this has had on the local schools and clubs as well as our talented team of staff.”

An online petition to save the pool has already amassed 1,000 signatures.

A number of swim schools and clubs currently use the pool for training and sessions, including Tritons Swim School and Waltham Forest Gators Swim Club.

Waltham Forest College principal, Dr Joy Kettyle, said: “In recent months, Waltham Forest College has had the tremendous opportunity to take up free swim sessions and lessons at the Community Pool which has added value to both the staff and student experience.

“We’ve also recently just received news of our first student of the year who has successfully completed their lifeguarding course. The pool closure will inevitably have an impact on the teaching and leisure experience for staff and students here at the college.”