'Surge' in visitors at outdoor swimming pool

A swimming pool saw a "surge in visitors" over the summer, an authority has announced.

Vale of White Horse District Council and leisure provider Better said Abbey Meadow pool in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, had 15,000 visitors during the 2024 season, up 122% on the previous year.

This is despite the outdoor pool not opening until 20 July, which campaigner Naomi Richardson had called "disappointing".

The pool was at risk of closure in 2015 - but reopened in 2018 after a £1.3m refurbishment.

The council said the 2024 season's success, which saw its water play area and kiosk open on 25 May and the pool close on 8 September, was "testament to the pool's growing popularity".

"The surge in visitors was not only due to the great weather – but also thanks to the introduction of a wide range of new activities that catered to all ages and interests," it said.

These included swimming lessons, diving classes, aqua aerobics sessions, a Meet the Mermaid-day, a half-term Hawaii party, and the debut of an end of season dog swim.

Sue Caul, cabinet member for leisure facilities, said the pool had provided "so much enjoyment" for the community.

She added: "We’re proud that we can provide local residents with such a fantastic way to spend their summer holidays.

"There were so many fantastic activities and events on offer this year."

Better partnership manager Kevin Williams said: "As we reflect on this fantastic season, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our local community.

"The events, activities, and overall success of the pool this summer are a direct result of this incredible partnership between Abbey Meadows and the people we serve."

Ms Richardson, who campaigned to get the pool revamped, said: "We’ve always said that the pool is a great asset for Abingdon and that it’s a really important part of the community.

"But to only open it for the school holidays in the summer essentially is a little bit short-sighted and there’s many people who would enjoy using it a little bit earlier in the year."

She said she hoped next year the providers would "build" on the pool's success and promote it more widely.

"I think there’s lots of opportunities to leverage the popularity of the pool for the town and for the benefit of the community," she added.

The council has previously said it will look for ways to have a "longer season in future".

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