South Woodham Ferrers possibly has the most popular swimming pool that never was!
Residents have campaigned for nearly three decades for the facility and several plans have started and stalled over the years.
As early as March 1975 Woodham Ferrers Parish Council called for a pool to be provided, but 2003 could see this long-running saga finally come to an end as a decision on funding for the complex is expected soon.
Bosses at Sport England will soon announce the results of a £1.8million lottery bid, which, if approved, will mean that building work on the pool could start as early as this summer.
Chelmsford borough councillor Ian Roberts, executive member for arts and leisure, said: "The project is still going through the lottery bid process, but an answer is expected by the spring. I am very hopeful of a positive response."
Mr Roberts will be presenting a report to the executive in April to give them an update on the scheme and a decision from the sports fund is expected by that time.
The plan sets out a 25m by 13m pool, changing facilities, showers, toilets, offices, spectator seating and vending facilities on land at the William de Ferrers Centre at a cost of £3.4million.
It will be made up of £1.8million from the lottery and £1.6million from the bid partners - the borough council, the county council, South Woodham town council and the William de Ferrers Centre.
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003
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