Members of a disabled swimming club will be left high and dry if vital equipment cannot be found.

Blackwater Barracudas Club must move from Maldon's Blackwater Leisure Centre during development work there next year.

And the group's search for a new venue is difficult because it needs a mechanical hoist to help members in and out of the water.

Kris Lincoln, from the Barracudas, said if portable lifting gear cannot be found before then, members would miss out as they would not be able to use another venue.

She said the hoist was vital to many of the swimmers but the permanent one at the Blackwater centre cannot be moved.

More than 100 disabled swimmers are members and Mrs Lincoln said about 90 of them need a hoist at another pool.

Mrs Lincoln said: "It's a lovely club and we are doing everything we can to find another pool. If our members can't swim even for a week it really affects them. For some that is the only exercise they get so we really do need to swim."

If anyone can help the group they are urged to contact Mrs Lincoln on 01245 478313.

Blackwater Barracudas Club's Kris Lincoln

By Simon Spurgeon

Reporter's e-mail: simon_spurgeon@ thisisessex.co.uk

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