The death knell has sounded for swimming at Maldon's Promenade Park.

Emotions ran high at last night's Maldon District Council meeting as, after months of wrangling, members overwhelmingly voted to let the axe fall on the century-old tradition on swimming at marine lake.

A determined gathering of more than 150 district residents waved placards and bombarded councillors with pleas of "save our lake" as they arrived.

Chairman of the council, John Archer, was also presented with a petition, signed by about 200 people, asking for councillors to consider keeping swimming or paddling facilities at the lake.

The saga began two years ago when a swimmer died after hitting his head on a submerged post in the lake. The council was later prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for failing to protect the public.

Members present at the meeting were divided over the lake's future, as was the packed chamber.

Leader of the council, Bob Boyce, proposed the so-called Option Three, which features the lake being turned into an ornamental pond complete with plants, be accepted.

He said: "Retaining the vista was one of the main concerns and this remains paramount.

"Turning the lake into a pond and providing play facilities in the valley will be far better for visitors."

He added members had considered Option Five, put forward by the Friends of the Prom, which included a fenced off swimming area and paddling facilities, but concerns from the Health and Safety Executive and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents led to its downfall.

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Published Friday, December 17, 2004

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