STAFF at a leisure centre are celebrating after the installation of new changing areas for swimmers with disabilities.

The new facilities were officially opened by the Patricia Hughes, Mayor of Chelmsford and the John Aldridge, Chairman of Essex County Council during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the the Chelmsford City Council-owned South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre, South Woodham Ferrers.

Funding of £38,000 provided by the Essex County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children team has enabled the leisure centre to create the new changing area.

The old accessible changing room has been transformed into a fully-equipped Changing Places unit.

This, alongside a new pool hoist from Dolphin Lifts, opens the pool to local people who may not have been able to use it before.

Swimmers have also benefited from a revamped changing room area. This fresh, bright upgrade includes new cubicles, lockers mirrors, hairdryers, vanity units, baby change units and new LED lighting.

Julia Jeapes, councillor for leisure, Councillor who assisted with the ribbon-cutting, said: “We have always been determined to ensure that our excellent sports facilities are available to the whole community and these improved facilities will ensure those with a disability and their carers can really look forward to coming swimming and securing the enjoyment and health benefits that it can offer.”