'Unacceptable' - Swimming cancelled as Southend pool closed due to temperatures
SWIMMING has been cancelled at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre after pool temperatures drop below required levels.
According to residents, the temperature at the Garon Park pool has been steadily dropping in recent months before suddenly closing at the end of last week.
Southend Council has branded the level of service being offered by leisure provider, Fusion Lifestyle, as 'unacceptable' and said the firm will continue to be held to account.
We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.
'It's been getting gradually colder for a few weeks, and I have spoken to staff at the swimming pool about it,' said regular swimmer Andrea Rowlands.
'However, the last time I swam before the pool closed, the water was so cold that it was actually painful to be in.
'I swim everyday so this closure is going to have a big impact on me and the other people who use the pool.'
Andrea added that the water in the pool had dropped to at least five degrees below the required 26 degrees celsius for public swimming pools in the UK.
Closed - The pool at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre has been closed due to low temperatures (Image: Google Maps) While Fusion Lifestyle is responsible for the operation of Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, the facilities themselves are Southend Council-owned.
Matt Dent, Labour councillor for business, said: 'We're aware of the temporary pool closure at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre due to the ongoing temperature issues.
'We've made it clear to Fusion Lifestyle that this level of service is unacceptable. Fusion Lifestyle have assured us they are chasing the contractor to carry out the works as soon as possible this week, so pool usage can resume, and council officers are continuing to hold Fusion to account.'
Fusion has also confirmed that it is liaising with contractors to organise a timeframe for the works, which will be communicated to pool users as soon as possible – no reason was provided for the drop in temperature.
'We are working hard to resolve the pool temperature issue at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre,' said a Fusion Lifestyle spokesperson.
'We are liaising with our contractors and will update on timings for the required works as soon as possible.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
England hunt early wickets on day two against India
Get Involved - #bbccricket, WhatsApp 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only - charged at standard message rate)
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Why VIP Mobile Numbers Are the New Status Symbol in Urban India?
In the rapidly changing social landscape of urban India, symbols of status and identity are taking new shapes. Once it was luxury cars, designer clothing, or grand homes that defined one's position in society. Today, there's a quieter yet increasingly noticeable trend emerging—VIP mobile numbers. VIP Number Shop offers a wide range of exclusive VIP Mobile Number that enhance your personal or business profile. With easy access to premium numbers, you can boost brand recognition, improve customer engagement, and elevate your status. Get your unique, memorable VIP mobile number today at VIP Number Shop. From entrepreneurs to celebrities and influencers, more people are investing in premium mobile numbers that not only stand out but also speak volumes about their lifestyle, identity, and influence. What Are VIP Mobile Numbers? VIP mobile numbers are phone numbers that feature unique patterns or sequences that are easy to remember or culturally significant. These could include repeating digits like 99999 77777, mirror sequences like 12321 12321, or combinations that represent lucky or religious numbers such as 786, 108, or 7s. These numbers aren't assigned randomly—they are either reserved by telecom providers or sold through premium vendors such as VIP Number Shop, which offers both individual and family packs of VIP numbers. In a country where mobile numbers are linked to nearly every aspect of a person's digital identity, the demand for memorable and distinct numbers has grown significantly, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The Mobile Number as a Digital Identity In urban India, mobile numbers play a far greater role than just enabling communication. They serve as login credentials for banking, social media, e-commerce, and even educational portals. With the rise of WhatsApp Business, digital transactions, and mobile-first services, a person's mobile number has become a permanent part of their personal and professional identity. This increased dependency on mobile numbers has elevated their importance. It's not just a number anymore—it's your digital address, one that reflects your image, your lifestyle, and increasingly, your status. The Psychology Behind the Trend The growing interest in VIP mobile numbers is closely linked with the human desire to stand out and be remembered. In a world that's becoming increasingly noisy and competitive, having a distinctive identity is essential. A unique mobile number does exactly that—it sets you apart instantly. Whether it's during a business call, on a social media profile, or printed on a visiting card, a VIP mobile number leaves a lasting impression. In many cases, these numbers also carry emotional or spiritual significance. Numbers like 786 or 108 are associated with religious beliefs, while others may choose numbers linked to their birthdate or a lucky sequence. For many urban Indians, this connection gives the number a personal value that goes beyond function—it becomes a part of their belief system and identity. Such Jio VIP Numbers are limited in availability and are often auctioned or sold at high prices due to their rarity and demand. Companies like VIP Number Shop specialize in offering a wide selection of these fancy numbers to individuals and businesses seeking distinction. A Growing Trend Among Business Owners and Influencers In the age of personal branding, having an easy-to-remember number is as important as having a professional email address or a well-designed logo. Business owners, consultants, and influencers are increasingly opting for VIP mobile numbers to enhance their visibility and credibility. For example, a real estate agent with a number like 88888 55555 comes across as professional, organized, and well-established. Similarly, an Instagram influencer using a custom number in their contact info appears more polished and serious about their brand. This association of simplicity, recall, and prestige with VIP numbers is driving a surge in their popularity among the urban business class. Family Packs: A Symbol of Togetherness and Prestige Another interesting shift is the rising demand for family pack VIP mobile numbers. These are sets of VIP numbers with similar or sequential patterns, purchased by families to reflect unity and prestige. Just like matching license plates or monogrammed luggage, shared number themes are now a symbol of togetherness. Urban families are using this trend to show a unified digital presence—especially in events, family-run businesses, or when promoting a common family venture. Vendors like VIP Number Shop have started offering family pack bundles to cater to this growing need for exclusivity within close-knit family units. The Cultural and Numerological Angle In Indian culture, numbers hold a special significance. Numerology has long influenced everything from wedding dates to house numbers, and mobile numbers are no exception. Many customers consult numerologists before choosing a mobile number, ensuring it aligns with their life path, career goals, or spiritual energy. For example, the number 7 is associated with spirituality and introspection, while the number 9 is linked to completion and humanitarianism. VIP mobile numbers that reflect these values offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they offer perceived spiritual balance and good fortune, making them highly desirable among urban Indians. VIP Numbers in the Age of Digital Sophistication As India's cities become increasingly digital-savvy, the desire to own a mobile identity that stands out grows stronger. From CEOs to startup founders, people are realizing the impact a memorable number can have. It signals success, attention to detail, and an appreciation for quality. Just as one might invest in a premium domain name or a custom license plate, urban Indians are now investing in premium mobile numbers to reinforce their image and digital sophistication. It's a form of self-expression, a subtle way to say, 'I've made it.' The Role of VIP Number Shop Leading the way in this evolving trend is VIP Number Shop, a trusted platform for purchasing premium and customized mobile numbers. With an extensive selection across telecom operators and number categories, VIP Number Shop caters to individuals, families, and businesses looking to elevate their identity through mobile numbers. Their easy browsing experience, numerology consultation support, and fast processing make them a go-to option for anyone looking to own a VIP number in India. They also offer the increasingly popular family pack VIP numbers, giving families a unique way to share their digital identity. Conclusion What was once seen as a novelty is now emerging as a mainstream trend in urban India. VIP mobile numbers are no longer reserved for celebrities or political figures—they are becoming an essential part of personal branding, business marketing, and family identity. As our dependence on mobile communication deepens, so will the desire to make our numbers more meaningful and memorable. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Help at hand with launch of national mental health call and textline
SINGAPORE – Round-the-clock help for mental health is now just a call or text away with the launch of Singapore's first such helpline and textline service on June 18. The 24/7 dedicated service, called 'national mindline 1771', is part of the nation's efforts to make mental health a key priority, and was one of the key proposals mooted under the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy. Individuals who need support can either dial 1771 to speak with a trained counsellor, or do so via chat via WhatsApp (+65 6669 1771) or an online chat widget at All conversations will be kept confidential and help-seekers can also choose to remain anonymous, making it easier for individuals to take the first step to get help early. This new service is operated by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). The service, which will be manned by 30 full-time counsellors who have a background in psychology or other allied health training, will be offered in the four national languages. It was launched by Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon at the national mindline 1771 office in Tampines on June 18. Speaking to the media, Dr Koh pointed out that one of the key lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic was that there was a need for a national-level hotline to support Singaporeans in times of stress. Rolling out such a service in peacetime would allow the Government to expand it if the need arises during times of major crisis. 'If there's an acute crisis that happens at a national level, this hotline will be able to form the base for a surge capacity, by bringing in officers from various Government agencies that have already been trained in psychological first aid to augment the services if need be,' said Dr Koh. While the national service will offer counselling for those experiencing difficult life situations and mental health concerns, an important function is also in helping those in distress make sense of the various mental health services available in the community and find one suitable for them. One common issue those with mental health issues face is the difficulty with navigating a complex and varied mental health landscape. A person under a lot of mental stress does not have the time 'to go around getting lost in the system', Dr Koh noted. 'So this is really about short-cutting the process for them and making them feel like help is really at their fingertips, and not delay any form of help-seeking behaviour until it's too late or too much for them to bear.' National mindline 1771 is a first-stop touch point, he added. Depending on an individual's needs, he could be referred to a general practitioner for assessment and treatment, or other hotlines run by social service agencies for a particular demographic. Someone is suicidal or threatening to harm others could also be referred to IMH or the police. With the launch of the national service, IMH will discontinue its Mental Health Helpline, which was operating at 6389 2222 and served as a triage and advice resource for those facing emotional or mental health services. From now till Sept 30, calls to the IMH helpline will be automatically forwarded to national mindline 1771. Director of national mindline 1771 Christopher Cheok said that the staff manning the service have been trained with clinical skills and psychologist first aid, and will be able to effectively triage the cases that come their way. Adjunct Associate Professor Cheok added that the Ministry of Health will monitor demand for the service, and will adjust the manpower as required. National mindline 1771 will also launch a pilot in late-2025 to recruit and train volunteers, who will complement the work of professional counsellors manning the service. 'What we need our volunteers to help us in is to meet the needs of... people who maybe are not in very acute distress or don't have a serious psychiatric illness, they just need a listening ear,' said Prof Cheok. 'We hope to involve the community as part of this national efforts so that hopefully we can build a more caring, empathetic society,' he said, adding that the service will aim to recruit as many volunteers as possible. Ms Suriani Lim, 29, one of the trained counsellors operating the service, said that she hopes to encourage more to seek help for mental health issues. During her on-the-job training, during which she manned the IMH helpline from February to June, Ms Lim attended to cases involving work, family and school issues. In one incident, a caller experienced a panic attack over the phone, but she was able to calm the caller down using breathing techniques. 'I feel very satisfied and fulfilled in this job... I want to help reduce the stigma of mental health, too,' said Ms Lim. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
