MUM Sophie Hart is so determined to see a local landmark restored for future generations she has taken to a social networking site for support.

The 33-year-old mum of one, of north Swindon, has set up a Facebook group in a bid to get the derelict diving board at Coate Water restored, possibly as a viewing point.

She is hoping to gain enough support to set up a non-profit organisation and apply for a Heritage Lottery Fund, which could be between £5,000 and £50,000.

“The diving board is one of the most iconic landmarks in Swindon and despite being left in solitude for years, it is still there,” she said.

“We have the chance to restore it, potentially as a viewing platform and definitely as a part of our heritage which brings to life a wonderful bygone era. I believe the key to looking after our past is to incorporate it in our future.”

Sophie has already gained a lot of support through the Facebook page and is feeling confident that she can prove to the Heritage Lottery that the project is restoring heritage as well as playing a part in the community.

She said: “They are actually almost asking for people in this area to come forward with ideas because there is not much work being done in Swindon like this.

“Everybody has got a story about Coate Water, it seems to be a place where people go when they’ve had something sad happen or something really good, so my friend and I used to list things that we thought could be done to improve the park.”

After discussions with park rangers, improvements to footpaths and the diving board came top of the list so Sophie decided she wanted to get the ball rolling.

“I appreciate it is going to be hard work but hopefully I can do it with the support.

“There are still beautiful photos of it as it is now, and obviously it is going to be different to how it was – it was once used for national diving competitions and unfortunately the water in the lake is still pretty toxic but it would be lovely to use it as a viewing point.”

Sophie said initial estimates put the work at costing in the region of £10,000.

She is appealing to members of the public who remember the diving board in its former glory to come forward and share their stories for the research process.

To show your support for Sophie’s idea, “Like” the Facebook Page ‘The Diving Board at Coate Water’ or contact her at hartsophie@hotmail.com or 01793 737024.