Broomhill pool was opened in 1938 and for 65 summers was a popular attraction for Ipswich swimmers – especially youngsters attracted their on hot days.

But it was only ever open for four months a year – from early May to early September – because the heating equipment installed when it was first opened was removed during the war to be melted down for weapons . . . and never replaced.

Being so weather-dependent meant the income from visitors was always erratic – and it was always expensive to maintain.

The opening of Crown Pools in 1984 gave youngsters somewhere to go swimming and have fun throughout the year even when the weather was cold.

Eventually in 2003 the decision was made that the cost of opening it for the summer could not be justified. Since then there has been a long campaign to get it re-opened, eventually involving Fusion Lifestyle and the HLF.