Coate Water diving board could be regularly cleaned as rust starts to show

One of Swindon’s most iconic structures is set to be regularly maintained after showing signs of rusting.

The Coate Water diving board dates back to the 1930s and required refurbishment works in summer of 2022.

Repair works included a full clean, the diving board itself was been repainted, handrails were installed and the flag pole, which sits atop the Listed structure, was replaced.

The refurbishment is believed to have cost somewhere between £100,000 and £120,000, and was completed on August 5, 2022.

Coate Water Diving board has showed signs of rusting on its steps. (Image: Dave Cox)

Now one year later, rust is showing on the steps of the old structure, raising the question as to how regularly the diving board is maintained.

Councillor Chris Watts said: “I was pleased to see it had been cleaned and restored last year as it is Listed and needs to be protected.

“However, it was disappointing to find out when I took over as Cabinet Member a few months ago that after spending a significant sum restoring it to its former glory, that no regular cleaning regime or budget had then been put in place.

“This is something we will be looking at as part of our wider improvement plan for Coate Water, alongside our exciting vision for a new café, the new splash park and the proposals to bring back the pitch and putt and crazy golf.”