An independent expert has been appointed to look over detailed plans by the trust set up to take over the running of Portishead's open-air pool.

The Portishead Open Air Pool Community Trust submitted its full 50-page business plan for its proposed takeover of the seafront lido to North Somerset Council chiefs on Friday.

Authority leaders have now appointed an expert to consider the trust's plans ahead of a meeting between trust members and council chiefs on Wednesday.

The cost of the work being carried out by the consultant – who has not been named but is understood to be an expert in setting up pool trusts – has not been revealed by the authority.

The trust, which was formed as part of the Save The Open-air Pool (STOP) campaign and backed by the Bristol Post, wants to take over responsibility for the pool from the council and open it this summer season.

The campaign was launched last year following news that North Somerset Council chiefs wanted to close the pool as it was costing the authority £130,000 a year to run.

A final decision on whether the council will hand over the pool to the trust is likely to be made by councillors next month.

The business plan includes a number of improvements being planned by the trust at the pool including the installation of solar panels to help reduce energy costs and heat the pool.

As part of the plan the trust is asking the council for a small subsidy over the next three years to support it in its first years of the takeover.

The trust wants £35,000 in the first year, £15,000 in the second year and £2,000 in the third year when it aims to have the attraction running at a profit.

STOP campaign leader Roger Whitfield said: "The business plan that we have put forward is solid and well costed and shows the pool running into profit within the third year.

"I can see no reason why councillors should not approve it.

"We are asking for a subsidy, but it is a relatively small one and no more than the authority already gives to support other pools across the district.

"It is so important that the council agree to keep the pool open and I hope that common sense prevails over the decision-making process.

"We have no doubt that the trust can get this pool open by the start of the summer season in May."

Mr Whitfield said that the subsidy of about £50,000 was better value for money as it has been estimated that the cost to the council of demolishing the pool and re-landscaping the area would be about £200,000.

A Give a Pound for the Pool campaign has already been launched to raise £20,000 to help secure the pool can open this season.

Collection boxes have been put around the town, with supporters being asked to give £1 to support the cause.

People were also asked to put a 'pound on the prom' at a money spinning event earlier this month.

Local residents flocked to support the event, creating a line of cash of around 100 metres along The Esplanade.

North Somerset Council spokesman, Richard Turner, confirmed the business plan was being assessed ahead of the meeting today.

Mr Turner said: "I can confirm that we have sought advice from an independent expert who we have asked to look at the trust's proposed business plan ahead of the council meeting with the trust.

"The trust representatives will be meeting with our director of finance and resources, Phil Hall and our director of development and environment, David Turner.

"They will then report back to the council's leader, Councillor Nigel Ashton, and he will decide how he wishes to take the matter forward."

People are still being urged to donate to the fundraising campaign and collection boxes can be found at Nortech Computers, Larsen's Café, Portishead Business Centre, Morgan Westley, Larsen's Café, Bella Natura, Bennett's Barber Shop, Juicy Jones, Mother Nature, Hayley's Hair Studio, Portishead Pet and Garden Centre, The Outlet, McCormicks Café and Restaurant, Super Savers, Zebra and Carey's DIY, all of which are on the High Street.

Collection tins are also at Robert John Hairdressers at Cabstand and Mark's Barbers at West Hill.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can also send a cheque or postal order made payable to Portishead Pool Community Trust, to Nortech Computers, 10 High Street, Portishead, BS20 6EW. If the council rejects the option of placing the pool in the hands of a trust and decides to close the pool, all money collected from the campaign will be donated to community projects in Portishead.