BRIGHTLINGSEA'S outdoor pool is set to reopen tomorrow at a special ceremony with the town mayor.

The offical opening will take place at 10am, with town mayor Karen Yallop, plus other town and district councillors.

Yesterday, the fire brigade helped with the finishing touches, by undertaking a final top-up of water levels in the morning.

Town and district councillor Graham Steady said the pool has also been weeded and cleaned, along with the changing rooms, and the sunbeds will also be out.

“All looks positive at the moment. The hard bit will be putting in plans to ensure the pool goes from strength to strength in the future,” he said.

Tendring Council had considered closing the pool as one of several options for it as the council believes the facility in Marine Parade was too costly for it to keep supporting.

However, it struck a deal with Brightlingsea Town Council, which wants the pool in Promenade Way, the only open air vintage lido pool in Tendring to survive.

The town council funded the recent repairs, saying they cost “significantly less” than the £40,000 budgeted as it “called in favours” from local businesses.

The two councils have still to settle the pool’s longer term future.

“The priority has been to get it open. We would like to thank Tendring Council’s officers for they help they have also put in, “ Mr Steady added.

The pool, which was built in 1933, will stay open until September, but maybe even longer, weather permitting.

Brightlingsea pool has a tuck shop on site, plus a smaller pool for toddlers. There are also showers, changing rooms and toilets available. Season tickets can be purchased from Brightlingsea Sports Centre. Membership options are available or you can pay on a 'pay as you go' basis.