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People in Brightlingsea have responded to a plea to use
the town's open air swimming pool this summer - or risk the chance
of losing it forever.
Attendances - especially over the past week or so - have been
very good and it has encouraged those who run the facility.
Tendring District Council (TDC) allocated a £50,000 grant to
Brightlingsea Town Council to operate the pool for the next two
summers.
There is a further £50,000 available to refurbish the site if it
proves to be viable.
Officers from TDC's Leisure Services have met with Town
Councillors to review the situation so far and are pleased with the
response from residents and visitors who are making use of the
pool.
As an extra incentive a special flat rate entry fee of £1 is to
be charged for anyone wanting to swim after 6pm. This will be
instead of the £3.20 fee per adult and £2.30 per junior which is
currently charged.
Admission will allow a 45 minute session up to closing time at
6.45pm when the pool is cleared.
The charge comes into effect from today (August 4) and will run
for the rest of the season.
Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said he was
pleased that people had shown they support the facility.
"Attendances have been very healthy, particularly in the past
week when the weather has been good," he said.
"We hope this situation will continue and that this facility
proves itself viable as it is part of the town's history."
Cllr Oxley said the idea of the £1 fee after 6pm could be
attractive to those who fancy a quick dip after work.
TDC will continue to manage the site on behalf of the Town
Council over the next two seasons and then the situation will be
reviewed. |