HUNDREDS of youngsters have learned to swim thanks to a new swimming pool which opened on the Barton estate, Oxford, a year ago.

The 25-metre council swimming pool on Bayswater Road has become a popular place for young people living in Barton and the surrounding area since it opened on April 13 last year.

In the 12 months since then, more than 30,000 people have used the pool with more than 80 per cent of those being under 17s who are eligible to swim for free.

As well as fun sessions for youngsters and sessions for people with disabilities, Oxford Swimming Club also provides lessons four times a week and weekend squad sessions.

Barton resident Sue Holden, who campaigned tirelessly for many years to get a swimming pool on the estate, said she was delighted to see how successful it had proved to be.

She said: "It's a fantastic facility that is being enjoyed by all. It's free exercise for under 17s and it means they are not out and about on the streets with nothing to do.

"The proof is there now. It has shown that it was a necessary facility and we have dispelled any doubts."

When the pool first opened there were some issues with vandalism and antisocial behaviour but assistant manager David Hunt said they were quickly resolved and the pool was now a vibrant, happy place.

He said: "The problems have pretty much gone now and people who want a swim can actually come and enjoy the facility. We do have the odd bit of trouble, but that's generally people outside who don't even enter the building.

"It's definitely an extremely worthwhile facility for the local area. We do have other pools, but they are all different.

"A lot of local kids go to swimming lessons and you can see the improvement from them just in the short term. From a lifeguarding point of view when you see a kid really struggling one week and then just a few weeks later they are swimming without a float it is a really nice feeling."