A MERGER between two feuding swimming clubs has taken a big step forward after one of them agreed to the idea.

Last week the Echo told how Southend Council took the unprecedented step of warning bosses of Southend Swimming Club and Borough of Southend Swimming Club they have until October 1 to end their dispute or both be banned from all public pools in the borough.

At first the clubs agreed to join forces when the new £13.5million Garon Park swimming and diving pool opened last November, but then a row broke out.

However, a compromise could now be in sight according to Simon Leftley, the corporate director responsible for sport. Speaking at a council cabinet meeting yesterday, where the move was approved, Mr Leftley said: “It’s a shame we are where we are with this situation.

“We’ve made considerable efforts over the past two years over the use of the pool.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to reach an agreement “But I’m pleased to say that, since the report has been published, at least one of the clubs has seen this is the right thing to do and will work with us.”

But Mr Leftley said the other club was still digging its heels in. He did not name the club.

The borough club has told the Echo it is willing to play ball with the council, but Southend said it was still unhappy with the proposals, though it denied any feud was taking place.

Derek Jarvis, the Tory councillor for culture and sport, said when a new club is formed, it would include the town’s new diving club which would provide a “full aquatic offer” to all Southend residents.

The two clubs have about 400 members between them and have produced a host of top swimmers over the years.

The risk is they will now be driven out of the borough because council bosses have lost patience after trying to negotiate an agreement over the past couple of years.

The council feels a single swimming club would be stronger in representing the town, attracting more members and would be cheaper to run.

Mr Leftley added: “It’s important for the young people attending swimming clubs to get the maximum opportunity to reach potential.”

The dispute began when the pool opened and Southend Swimming Club members protested about plans for joint training sessions and refused to get in the water with their borough counterparts.