Open-air pool reopens for the summer (From thisisoxfordshire)

Open-air pool reopens for the summer

8:50am Thursday 24th May 2007

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ABINGDON'S open air swimming pool in Abbey Meadow opens on Saturday for the summer season.

It reopened with a big splash last year, after being closed for a year.

More than 12,000 people visited the pool last year, and operator Soll Leisure says it is looking forward to another bumper season - and keeping its fingers crossed for warm and sunny weather.

Joan Damerell, a member of the Friends of Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool, said: "After all the problems we had when the pool closed for a year it was encouraging to see so many people visit the pool last year.

"It is important for its future that people continue to make use of what is a wonderful outdoor facility."

The heated pool was closed two years ago after falling victim to spending cuts by the Vale of White Horse District Council. But a vigorous campaign mounted by pool supporters, and backing from Abingdon Town Council, which increased its annual subsidy to £35,000, ensured its survival.

The district council pays for repairs and maintenance, while Soll Leisure provides professional expertise.

The pool, right, will be opened for three sessions between 9am and midday, 1pm until 4pm and from 4.30pm until 5.30pm.

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