AFTER years of waiting Lydney at last has its brand new indoor swimming pool at the Whitecross Leisure Centre.

And the message from Centre manager Andy Barge is: "Come along and give it a try."

The superb 25m by 10.5 metre standard rectangle pool and equipment feature the very latest in swimming pool design and technology, with the water at deck level.

He stresses that everyone is welcome at the super new facility – see the advertisements for a full list of times and prices.

Friday August 27 is the big day and a special programme will be running until Sunday September 5, after which the regular term-time programme starts.

The holiday programme has been designed to allow as many people as possible to take their first dip in the pool.

"We have broken it up into one-hour sessions to start with, which enables people to have a swim, then we can clear up a bit before the next batch," said Mr Barge. "We hope this will give everyone a chance to try out the pool."

General public sessions feature strongly, but some restricted entry sessions, such as adults only, or 50-plus swims, have also been arranged for people who might not want to be in a pool with lots of children.

He believes there may be some pressure in the early days but this should start to even out as time passes.

In the regular programme from Monday September 6 onwards, public use during the daytime will be a major feature. Regular daytime slots will include Early Bird swims, Waterbabies, fifty-plus swims, lunchtime sessions and Aqua Aerobics.

Local schools, disabled groups and other community groups will also have time allocations, and during the evenings and at weekends adults only, ladies only and family swims will be held as well as general public sessions.

And the goodies on offer don't stop there – swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, lane swimming, fun sessions and private hire are all going to be available.

For the extras like swimming lessons there is to be an enrolment day at the Leisure Centre on Saturday September 11. Mr Barge says people should watch the local press for details of enrolments – full information will be in the Review in the week ending September 3.

"It looks like being a very, very busy day," he said.

There is a small viewing are at the pool while the rest of the leisure centre offers a wide range of facilities from a gym to outdoor tennis courts and an all-weather playing pitch.

Refreshments are available and there are social and relaxing areas.

The date for the official opening of the pool has not yet been fixed.