Moves to create a new leisure facility on Clacton seafront are going ahead - despite a lack of funding to pay for it.

The former Clacton Swimming Club and Boxing Club building on Lower Marine Parade West has stood empty for some time.

Tendring councillor Tony Sargent wants it put back into some kind of use for visitors and residents alike but when he contacted Tendring District Council about coming up with some cash to support the project, he was told there was no money in the budget to help.

Undeterred, Mr Sargent (Lab, Rush Green), decided he would take the job on personally.

"My idea is for a beach gym, which would add to the attractions we already have on the beach and seafront," he said.

"Although the council has no money to put into the initiative at the moment, which I quite understand, I have decided to go ahead myself and see if I can get it up and running as soon as possible."

Mr Sargent said his aim was to open the facility in the spring and in time for the summer season.

"I have already had some repairs done to the building itself but at the moment everything is having to be done on a shoestring budget," he added.

"The council has managed to contribute a couple of volleyball net stands and some individuals have promised to come up with some weights."

Mr Sargent said that when he was elected to the council, he made a statement that he wanted to "combine the strength of the young with the wisdom of the elderly" and this was his first attempt to put this into action.

He said he felt that more could be made of the areas on the town's seafront and he hopes that others may like to get involved with this scheme.

"At the moment, we desperately need some training gear, such as medicine balls, to help get us started," he said.

By Nigel Brown

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

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