CAMPAIGNERS who fought to get a swimming pool for Walton more than 30 years ago have returned to the scene of their victory.

The We Want A Swimming Pool campaign was launched in 1985 and after six years their dream finally came true when the building officially opened in 1991.

Members of the group returned to the centre following its recent £833,000 revamp.

Founder member Sue Beardmore said touring the building brought the memories of the campaign flooding back.

“It all came about because work was going on at Clacton Swimming Pool and it was closed for some time,” she

said.

“We couldn’t get swimming lessons for the children at Harwich or Colchester because they were full and we

decided to press for a pool at Walton.

“It then turned into a real community effort and we wanted a pool for all – not just the children. We also wanted a

facility which could be used by visitors in the bad weather.”

She was joined by fellow campaigners Maggie Murphy, Gwen Horlock, Jo Robbshaw and Sue Willacy.

Pool manager Steve Ham said: “It was great to learn about how these local residents fought for a facility for the community all that time ago which is still very popular today.”