The opening of Maldon's Marine Lake in time for the summer holidays is hanging in the balance.

The lake, at Promenade Park, has been closed since last summer following the death of a visitor.

Maldon District Council had wanted to re-open it by mid-July providing several safety improvements were made. One of the main provisos of getting it re-opened was to get 15 qualified lifeguards to patrol the popular spot but none have come forward despite applications closing today

At Tuesday night's community services committee meeting, chairman Julia Peel (Con, Tolleshunt D'Arcy) warned the lake may not re-open for the summer season if lifeguards are not found.

She said: "I think everything which has been put in place already greatly reduces the risk of accident but if we don't get the lifeguards, we don't operate."

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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