TIME is running out to help save a unique community facility that aims to boost health in one of Glasgow's most deprived areas.

The Evening Times first told in February how Govanhill Baths bosses have launched a community shares programme to encourage locals to take ownership of the wellbeing hub - while also raising funds.

Govanhill Baths will close at the end of this year for a £6million refurbishment that will see it given a new lease of life.

Having closed 16 years ago, it has taken dedicated campaigning to reach this stage - but the final million is still to be raised.

So far donors have pledged £45,000 of the final total needed.

Pledges for shares start at £100 and can be as much as £100,000, paid on monthly subscription over two years.

A deadline of August 28 means there is just over one month left to become involved.

Fatima Uygun, Trust Manager of Govanhill Baths Community Trust (GBCT), said: "This is a key stage in the history of our campaign to re-open the Baths.

"The Community Shares project will bring the building into community ownership, allowing the Trust to progress with the refurbishment of the Baths and restoration of public swimming in Govanhill.

"The pools were closed against the wishes of this community and we are closing in on the community finally winning the battle to bring this vital public asset back."

Community shares allow communities to run projects together with each donor holding a share in the building and being able to participate in decision making.

GBCT said hundreds of pledges have already been received - but hundreds more are still needed.

The project is being managed by the Princes Regeneration Trust working to bring to life designs from architects Hall Black Douglas.

They include an impressive glass walkway linking the front building to the separate former Turkish Baths building at the back.

Sited on Calder Street, the B-listed building will being a health and wellbeing hub.

It will have a gym, community café, community kitchen, hot-desk facilities for local businesses and a range of flexible spaces and meeting rooms.

Glasgow City Council closed the Baths in 2001 but supporters - who initially occupied the building in a bid to save it - have never given up on their hope to have it reopened.

In February the teaching pool was opened, bringing swimming back to Govanhill for the first time in 16 years.

Costs for the development include conservation of the building, which was found to need considerable work done to its foundations and roof.

To find out more about buying a share see www.govanhillbaths.com/pledge2017