A swimmer says she will not be taking the plunge at a mid-Essex pool again for fear of what she may find in the water.

Lucy Martin, 29, of Great Waltham, paid £2 for a dip at Riverside Ice and leisure in Chelmsford but said she got more than she bargained for.

"I swim with goggles and I have never been swimming anywhere as dirty. The water was cloudy and it was full of floating objects which looked like plasters and other debris."

She was also concerned by the shower facilities.

"I know it is a busy time with the school holidays but I will not be using the facilities again until they can assure me the situation has improved."

A statement from the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre said it did everything it could to keep the facilities as pleasant as possible with 12 staff inspecting and cleaning the pool areas.

Published Monday August 2, 2004

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