WEAVERHAM'S community swimming pool was officially re-opened last week - much to the delight of a swimming group for babies and toddlers.
The pool, in Russet Road, has been leased to a private company, FineSwim, to reduce its cost to Weaverham Parish Council.
The arrangement was made earlier this year, after the council revealed that it was costing £14,000 a year to subsidise the pool.
It has been leased to the company for the next five years, with the council retaining the ownership. FineSwim has committed to making improvements to pool facilities and is opening the pool all year round.
The new arrangement was music to the ears of Puddleducks, a small local company providing swimming lessons for youngsters.
The group, which caters for children aged from two months up to two years, was forced to close in June when it had to leave its former home at Greenbank School for safety reasons.
It was out of action until last month, when it found out about the new arrangement at the pool.
Group leader Tracy Townend said she was delighted to be able to get up and running again.
She said: "We were gutted when we had to close but we'd like to thank all the mums who tried to help us. Lots of them sent letters and emails of support.
"It's great to be able to start again."
For more information about Puddleducks, call Tracy on 01477 535527. For details about the pool, call 01606 852705.
