Keen swimmers will be pleased to hear that the Flamingo Pool in Axminster is set to reopen on Monday, April 19.

The charity-run pool has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic; having initially closed its doors in March 2020, it only managed to reopen for nine weeks in late summer last year and has remained close since then.

The closure has had a "radical effect" on the pool's finances, as recently reported at the annual general meeting of Axe Valley Swimming Association, which runs the facility.

But now the pool is looking forward to welcoming back swimmers, although with strict COVID guidelines and limited opening hours in place.

The pool will be open from 7am to 11am and 4pm to close (depending on activities) Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 2pm for the main pool and 9am to 5pm for the hydrotherapy pool on Sundays.

This restricted timetable has been set to negate against expected financial losses and is expected to be in place until the week commencing May 17 when restrictions are set to be further eased under the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

A statement from the Flamingo Pool said: "There are many government and Swim England rules and regulations in place meaning we cannot just reopen the doors.

"Restrictions include swimmers can only swim individually or as one single household and no over 18 group activities can run at the current time.

"Along with quieter hours seen from the last open period in August 2020 in between lockdowns, this has led us to the decision above with regards to nourishing the sustainability of the Flamingo Pool moving forward not only this year but in years to come.

"We want to be open to serve you, our loyal supporters amongst the local community at the earliest opportunity possible, but have to counteract further expected losses and be safe where possible."

Swimming lessons will start again the week commencing April 19; those taking lessons should wait for the pool to contact you to arrange a suitable time.

You can still support the Flamingo Pool and its reopening plans by donating online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/flamingo-covidsupport

To celebrate the much-awaited reopening of the Flamingo Pool, the Community Waffle House in Axminster has added a special flamingo-theme waffle to its takeaway menu.

This week only, from Thursday to Saturday, 'The Flamingo One' will be available to takeaway with the delicious waffle topped with homemade raspberry curd, kiwi, strawberries, strawberry ice cream and white chocolate sauce with a flamingo on top.

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