A CAMPAIGN group aiming to get a swimming pool to serve the Dengie area have revealed their next steps.

Burnham’s Own Leisure Development (BOLD) was formed in 2017 by residents who are working towards securing the leisure facility.

The group has received support from Burnham Town Council and has held talks with Ormiston Rivers Academy and the Ormiston Academies Trust.

The group believes the secondary school is an ideal location for a new pool.

They have now applied for charity status which means they could apply for the funding needed for a feasibility study.

A spokesman said: “It has multiple advantages, as students will gain enhanced sporting and fitness facilities and the pool will also be available to everyone in the community at a convenient location, well served by public transport.

“The academy would not own or run the pool – this will be managed by BOLD either directly or through an experienced pool management company.”

The spokesman added: “If this project is to succeed, it will need the support and engagement of the town to raise the not inconsiderable funds for the building of the pool.

“The founder members hope that at this stage, the project can be opened out to include the many people who have kindly expressed a desire to offer their skills and expertise in areas like fundraising, PR and IT.

“It finally feels as if this project is moving forward.”

The next major step is to ask permission from the Department for Education for a change of land use.

The nearest swimming pool is currently SW Swimming, based in Southminster.