"INCREASING optimism" surrounds the future of a hydrotherapy pool in Sturminster Newton.

The threatened Stour View splash pool is the subject of a community-backed takeover bid, with elderly groups and children with special needs among the people served.

But the departure in August of the pool attendant threatened to derail community efforts, with no funds available to employ a replacement.

Daily checks are needed at the warm water facility and the prospect of extra costs to overcome a break in the maintenance routine threatened to scupper plans for a community take over.

Now a commitment from Dorset County Council's adult care chief, Steve Pitt, to continue daily checks on the pool's cleanliness and chemical balance has given local campaigners fresh hope.

"The alternative would be emptying the pool, which risks tiles becoming loose and other structural problems, so we welcome Steve's support," said Sturminster Newton councillor David Fox.

The fate of the pool will finally be decided at a meeting of DCC's cabinet meeting on October 1, and Cllr Fox is increasingly optimistic that a community-backed rescue package can be put together.

"We met last week with some key county advisers to discuss staffing, property and management issues. We are working hard and hope to get it open as a going concern in the new year," said Cllr Fox.

The pool has a range of users, from individuals recovering from injury to children with special needs at Sturminster Newton's Yewstock School.

Jasmine Drew, the school's support services manager, told the Daily Echo the pool was of great importance to Yewstock's pupils, some of whom would had difficulty accessing a conventional pool.

"We have pupils from two years old to 19. Some of them are wheelchair users and the warm water sessions help to relieve aches and pains and to give them a sense of wellbeing," said Mrs Drew.