The 30-year wait is finally over - South Woodham Ferrers's new £4million swimming pool is open for business.

The 25m, six-lane pool, on land donated by William de Ferrers School in Brickfields Road , was opened by a delighted Chelmsford Borough Council cabinet member for leisure, youth and community safety, Maureen Moulds.

It will be open from 6.30am to 10pm daily to cater for local swimming clubs, schools, swimming lessons and casual users of all abilities.

Mrs Moulds said: "It is wonderful to be opening the doors to such an important community facility - a swimming pool has been a long-held dream for the residents of South Woodham Ferrers and now it is a reality."

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