IT'S finally safe for swimmers on Canvey to go back in the water.

The pool at Waterside Farm Sports Centre reopened its doors to the public after eight months of closure.

Castle Point's mayor Beverley Egan and Wendy Goodwin, chairman of the community committee, were on hand to cut the ribbon.

Storms in January forced the facility to shut after parts of the roof were damaged, releasing asbestos dust.

Lengthy negotiations between the Castle Point Council and its insurers delayed the pool's reopening and the council eventually had to fork out £42,400 of its own cash to help meet the repair bill.

To make up for the lost months of swimming, the council declared free swimming sessions last weekend.

Council leader Pam Challis said: "We wanted the pool open for as much of the school holiday as possible, so we have carried out the work as quickly as we could without any compromise to safety or quality.

"We have also carried out a range of improvements and the swimming pool is looking much better as a result.

"We would like to thank people for their patience while the works were carried out."

Final touches to the pool, including new paint, floats and chairs, were provided by Basildon-based firm Pectel who carried out £15,000 of work free of charge.

Mrs Goodwin said: "The additional works and new equipment will really benefit pool users and we are grateful to Pectel for their support.

"The swimming pool had to be closed while urgent repairs were carried out, following storm damage to the building earlier this year."

The council has been using the closure as an opportunity to carry out refurbishment to the pool, walkways and changing rooms.

- Canvey Swimming club is seeking new members after membership fell during the pool's closure.

For more information, visit www.canveyswimming.org.uk or contact Paul McNeil, head coach on 07904 302113 or Julie Fehily on 01268 692103 or Michaela Hill on 01268 697749.