Maldon's Marine Lake was re-opened at the weekend after fire gutted a boatshed.

The arson attack on the storage shed in the Promenade Park took place in the early hours of Sunday, August 6.

The lake had to be drained at one of the busiest times of the year after chemicals stored in the shed and debris from fighting the fire were washed into it.

Staff and contractors worked continuously on site and the lake was re-opened on Friday.

John Knight, director of community services for Maldon District Council, said: "There were many disappointed visitors over the last week but we pulled out all the stops to ensure our major tourist attraction was open again for the weekend."

Police are continuing their investigations into the fire which is being treated as suspicious.

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