SWIMMERS could soon be diving back in to the deep end of a top independent school's pool following an announcement this week that the 'excellent facilities' would be available once more to locals.

SWIMMERS could soon be diving back in to the deep end of a top independent school's pool following an announcement this week that the 'excellent facilities' would be available once more to locals.

In 2007, St Felix School at Reydon, near Southwold, axed public access to the swimming pool in a move that was lambasted by residents, who claimed that the community were being shown 'total disregard'.

But this week, the school revealed that they have re-opened their swimming pool to local residents.

One of the major factors behind the decision to restrict public access was the lack of suitable lifeguard cover, meaning the pool could not open to public or private parties.

School head David Ward said he was looking forward to again being able to offer the service to the public.

'We've recently had a lot of difficulty securing a lifeguard to work the hours we can offer to the public, and health and safety legislation states that we simply cannot open the pool to the public without a lifeguard,' he said.

'Thankfully we have now found a professional lifeguard and are once again in the position to invite members of the local community to again make use of our excellent swimming facilities.'

Saint Felix School's swimming pool will now be open to the public between 8am and 9am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as opening between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday.

A ticket system remains in place, and ticket booklets can be purchased from the main school reception.

For more information, please telephone 01502 722175.