Tendring District Council (TDC) has announced that work on a £9,000 scheme to upgrade an open air swimming pool in Brightlingsea, Essex, is nearing completion.

The re-pointing of paving slabs and brickwork has been undertaken as part of the scheme ahead of the 2011 season, as well as improvements to changing areas. Plans for £42,000 worth of repair works were delayed by TDC earlier this year in a bid to ensure the pool would reopen for the summer on time.

Meanwhile, the council has also announced plans to work alongside Colne College as part of a 'Big Society' initiative to encourage youngsters to volunteer for lifeguard duty. The scheme would reduce the pool's operating costs by around £10,000 and would provide youngsters with a nationally-recognised lifeguard qualification.