Parents have reacted with sadness at the closure of the place where their youngsters learned to swim.

Aqua Phoenix Ltd described itself as ’not just a friendly welcoming public swimming pool. We are very popular for swimming lessons, sauna use and we even have a cinema room and games area’.

But the Bridson Street, Port Erin company broke the news of its closure to its Facebook followers this week.

It said: ’It is with great sadness that Aqua Phoenix will not be re-opening.

’Unfortunately we just do not have the funds to continue our journey.

’We would like to thank everyone who helped keep us going as long as we did and to our landlord for understanding and helping as much as they have. Special thanks to all of our clients and to our staff.’

The pool closed on March 22 as the coronavirus erupted and at that time Aqua Phoenix appealed for donations.

Dozens of people this week expressed their shock.

One mum wrote: ’Very sad, thank you so much for teaching my kids to swim, they really will miss going for their lessons. Good luck for the future.’

Another comment was: ’Oh no what a shame, the kids loved their swimming lessons there, very sad news for you all, wishing you all the best.’

In January, 2018, Isle of Man Newspapers reported a Just Giving page was set up to raise £5,000 to keep the pool from closing.

The pool, previously owned by Cherry Orchard Apartments, had been due to close after the company went into liquidation the previous year.

Swimming teachers Rebecca Mills and Ben Titley gained management of the pool and were working together to restore the facility.

Rebecca said at the time: ’I have ran one-to-one swimming lessons for the past five years at the Cherry Orchard swimming pool, building it up from one student to a successful and popular swim school for all ages and abilities.’

Nobody from Aqua Phoenix was available for comment as we went to press.