DISABLED swimmers can finally use Peebles pool.

We highlighted last year how problems with a dated hoist, which had been deemed dangerous, prevented many from enjoying the benefits of regular swims at the Port Brae pool.

Following the closure of the hydrotherapy unit at Borders General Hospital more than three years ago, disabled people from across the region were encouraged to use their local pools for therapeutic sessions and exercise.

But the majority in Tweeddale were left high and dry.

Pool operators Live Borders told us last year they didn't have the money required to buy specialised equipment.

Following a funding boost from Scottish Borders Council and Clubsport Tweeddale a new hoist has now been installed in Peebles.

And disabled swimmers are already reaping the benefits.

Alan Oliver, Live Borders Disability Sports Development Officer, said: “We took our customers' comments on board and acted accordingly to ensure that we restored both confidence and independence.

“The new equipment means that users don’t need to transfer from chair to chair anymore.

"We are confident that this will provide new opportunities for the community to participate in swim activities regularly.”

A total of £5,000 for the Peebles hoist came from the local authority’s Quality of Life scheme with Clubsport Tweeddale making up the £1,000 deficit.

One of the main difficulties with the previous hoist had been the transfer from walking supports onto the lift.

The upgraded equipment now allows the user to be clipped into the chair in the changing rooms before being taken to the hoist and lowered safely into the water.

Callum MacDonald, who has cerebral palsy, is amongst the many who will now enjoy safe swimming in Peebles.

He told the Peeblesshire News: "The new pool hoist is magnificent.

"I feel completely safe as I don’t need to transfer onto a static chair.

"Having the chair in the changing room is much safer as I feel uncomfortable moving on wet slippery floors.

"The new chair allows me to be more independent and I don’t need to rely on several people assisting me to transfer.

"I will certainly be using the pool more often and that’s a massive positive as it has opened up a new opportunity locally."

Live Borders have also installed a similar hoist at its pool in Selkirk after securing £4,000 from Selkirk Common Good Fund and £1,000 from Eildon Neighbourhood Fund.

The hoist upgrades are aimed at reaching out to community groups, schools, families and carers across the area to safeguard customer independence and increase participation.

The hoists will also allow users to progress through Learn to Swim lessons to the disability performance swimming squad, Border Barracudas.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive Live Borders, added: “The profile of disability sport has never been higher and the users, quite rightly, expect adequate modern facilities.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Legacy have helped enormously to raise the profile of disability sport and, as a result, the Borders Disability Sports Development Officer and our facilities staff are working tirelessly to create opportunities for users with a disability to take part in sport and leisure.”