SUPPORTERS of Saltdean Lido were so appalled by a spree of mindless vandalism at the newly reopened pool that donations of cash have been flooding in.

Vandals broke in to Saltdean Lido on Sunday night, smashing glass and throwing stones into the pool.

Three youths were arrested by police but released because of a lack of evidence. This led to numerous offers of help to provide the funding for CCTV at the site.

The Lido has now set up a crowdfunding campaign to channel the support of the community.

A spokeswoman for Saltdean Lido said: “After a hectic 24 hours we genuinely cannot believe the love and interest in the project. We’ve received lovely messages of support from everyone and the local and national media. Many businesses and individuals have asked how they can donate so we have set up a Crowdfunding page for donations. We will work with businesses who have offered to help and combine with the donations to ensure we get CCTV and security improved to ensure this acts as serious deterrent and will capture evidence going forward after news yesterday that Sussex Police will not be prosecuting the three individuals (of the eight) who were caught and questioned.

“We will not let the minority who think its acceptable to cause criminal mindless damage to ruin it for the majority of people.

“We are now reviewing the security issue, as the 6ft fencing and signs clearly did not work. We aim to install cameras and sufficient technology to act as a deterrent, as well as to providing evidence if in the future, anyone else thinks it’s acceptable to break the law. Of course, the wider question and social challenges remain over this dreadful behaviour.”

To donate visit crowdfunder.co.uk and search Saltdean Lido.