GUARDIAN readers have responded with overwhelming positivity to our story about the ongoing transformation of the open air swimming pool in Marbury.

The volunteer-run, not for profit Marbury Swimming Club, based at the outdoor pool are looking to reopen the facility next month, after having had to close last summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

New members are being encouraged to join the club and the pool is taking swim bookings now, from community groups including scouts, cubs and beavers.

There has also been interest from some triathlon groups in the area looking to hone their swim sections and use the facilities to get race-ready.

Attracting people and groups to enjoy the facility is a key part of the club's focus moving forward.

The pool, which has been there since the 1930's, was originally built as part of Marbury Hall Country Club, before going on to be owned for many years by ICI, for the use of its employees.

A dedicated group of volunteers are currently working as hard as they can to get the pool fit and ready for re-opening at the end of June.

After the story was posted on to our Facebook page, many of you left comments about the news, while some shared memories of swimming in the pool over the years.

Christine Chapman said: "My Dad took me as a young child nearly 60 years ago.

"We lived in the ICI houses then."

Jan Walsh commented: "I used to cold water swim there as a teenager, 45-50 years ago.

"It wasn’t a heated pool then not sure about now?" to which fellow reader Warren Joseph replied, "Nope, still just as cold!"

Alison McDowell said: "Loved being a member when boys were young."

Carol Wilkinson said: "Our beautiful Daisy and her bessie friend Mia busy working bless them."

June Gladman has already joined, adding: "Just waiting for it to open in June."

Jackie Murphy also posted, saying: "Used to go there with my friend and her dad (he worked for ICI) in the 70’s, had some fantastic times."

Meanwhile, Kayleigh Fynn Paterson is hoping the transformation might include heated water, saying: "Be nice if it was heated.

"It's like jumping in to the Arctic!

"Looks nice and clean now, well done everyone."