FRIDAY, March 30 was a real red letter day for the town of Bude, as months of hard work and commitment by the local community and support from Cornwall Council to secure the long term future of the historic sea pool comes to an end with the formal handover of the management of the facility to the Friends of Bude Sea Pool.

The sea pool, which was created in the 1930s, has become an iconic feature of Bude coastline which is much loved by both local residents and visitors.

When increased pressure on budgets threatened the future of the pool last year, the Friends of Bude Sea Pool was formed to develop plans to secure its future.

The council agreed to continue to fund the operation of the sea pool for a further season to give the friends time to develop a business proposal. Since then, the friends have worked hard to develop a robust business plan and have now identified funding to take on the management of the sea pool — whilst investing in a number of enhancements on the site.

The friends submitted a detailed business proposal to Cornwall Council in the autumn. Following a detailed assessment of the proposal and further negotiation, Cornwall Council has now agreed to grant the friends a 99 year lease for the pool.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.