RESIDENTS are now able to get fit while enjoying the outdoors after a community gym was officially opened.

The project was the brainchild of Wivenhoe town councillors Shaun Boughton and Mike Newton as well as Colchester councillor Mark Cory.

The trio secured the £16,000 funding for the gym, on the Lower Lodge Farm playing fields, Wivenhoe, from Tesco and Colchester Council.

Mr Boughton said: “I have noticed on every occasion the gym is very well used and well talked about, so I would say it’s a success. We have people using it that normally use the gym in Castle Park saying this is so much better, in a peaceful place with some outstanding views.

“One family even said they will cancel their own gym membership now they will cancel their own gym membership now they have this new one.

“It’s really pleasing to see how popular it is. We would also like to thank Mark Cory for coming on board and progressing it to completion.”

Mr Cory said: “It’s been a few years in the ideas stage.

“The idea came up about two or three years ago. It is fantastic to see it finished.

“We selected the site so we could be where the lakes are, and surrounded by nature. It has already proven very popular.”

The gym is accessible to everyone, including parents with prams and wheelchair users.

Cash has also been set aside to improve access to the site from Dixon Way.

It is hoped two new separate gyms will be installed in the town next year.