Apparently/allegedly


, during the late 50’s early 60’s there was a considerable sum of money raised to build a swimming pool in Burnham, the foundations were put in place near the CEFAS laboratory on the quay, some steel for the building structure was purchased, but alas that was as far as it got! Then BTC (Burnham town council) got amalgamated with Maldon, and the money went north, never to be seen again.

By rights Burnham should have its own swimming pool, the residents shouldn’t have to travel to Maldon or South Woodham Ferrers to enjoy their facilities. Now the Millfields Caravan Park is redundant (£70,000+? in lost revenue + the clean-up as reported in the MBS for 2008 a few weeks back). That area of Millfields would be an ideal spot (next to the leisure centre) for a public pool or combine the two and have one building housing a pool & leisure centre). If thought out properly, it could be used as an indoor training area for young sailors, scuba divers, canoeists and so many other water based activities I may have neglected to mention.

Perhaps the local sailing clubs who have used Burnham for so long could get involved with the financing, Mr Musto??? Or let a private company build/maintain a pool and the local authority provide the staff & rent the property?

Maldon’s promenade has benefited from so much in recent years, and I’m sure it’s has cost £££,£££’s to achieve so why not let Burnham have some of the money that was raised during the 50’s/60’s back, and top it up (call it interest) so we can have our own pool, and the under 17’s won’t have to travel, and the over 17’s can enjoy a swim in their own town, it would be a long-term investment for Burnham, but I’m sure it would be one that (a) would be welcomed (b) Used & appreciated by one and all.

It angers me to read the pathetic excuses given on page34 of August’s Burnham & Dengie Hundred Review, about a swimming pool for Burnham. Instead of rolling over and giving in, our elected councillors should be backing the residents wishes and asking questions about the money that went north……….