'This pool brings back lots of memories'
Happy childhood memories have come flooding back for families in an East Sussex town after a pool reopened under new management.
A protest was held at the end of 2024 when two of the three pools at the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne closed as the council struggled to cover its costs.
Now under the new management of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) since 1 April, the centre has reopened its Fun Pool.
Eight-year-old Nancy said she had come to the pool since she was a baby and it brought back "lots of memories".
Speaking to BBC South East, she said: "I'm really happy it's open.
"We have come here since we were babies, so it just brings back lots of memories."
Her mother, Lucy, from Hailsham, brought her daughters to the reopening.
"When it's been closed it's just so sad," she said.
"Every time we've come here for a party, we've seen it empty and it's just eerie.
"So today was a big day for us - they've been on at me for ages!"
One adult who also had fond memories of the pool was the town's MP, Josh Babarinde.
He told the BBC: "I learned to swim right here in the Sovereign Centre. I had my birthday parties here when I was a kid.
"It's amazing that the future of this pool has been protected for future generations."
Over the next three years, GLL said it would invest a minimum of £1m in the Sovereign Centre, in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Council to explore 'all further options' for pools
Protest over closure of two swimming pools
Negotiations ongoing to protect sports centre
Operator confirms reopening day of leisure centre
Eastbourne Borough Council
GLL
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