A diving club faces an uncertain future after being stopped from using Maldon's Blackwater Leisure Centre pool.

Scuba 65, which instructs would-be divers and snorkellers in the pool between 6pm and 7pm on Saturdays, must find an alternative pool for six months while Blackwater Leisure completes its latest training programme.

The Holliday family, of The Old Stores, Tillingham, are among Scuba 65 members angered by the decision.

"This action is unfair, not only from the minimal amount of notice that we have been given, but also because we do not consider our sporting interest to be any less worthy than that of other swimmers," said Lorraine Holliday.

Maria Adams, from Colchester, who runs the scuba class, is furious that they were only given three weeks to quit.

"They need instructors at the pool and that is understandable, but we have been there for four years in the same time slot and now we've been given just three weeks' notice to leave."

Mrs Adams has contacted the council and her local MP in a desperate bid to resolve the situation.

Blackwater Leisure manager Steve Waterman said: "There is a real shortageof swimming teachers and one of the centre's main activities is giving swimming lessons to children.

"We can't find teachers and may have to cancel lessons.

There are 1,200 children a week having swimming lessons and a two-year waiting list. The only option is to run our own course."

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