A GROUP has "abandoned" its campaign to reinstate a swimming lake despite support from thousands of people.

Yesterday, the campaign group, 'Reinstate Maldon Swim Lake' announced "with deep regret" its attempts to reinstate the swimming lake at Promenade Park in Maldon had to end.

After gathering signatures from 9,000 petitioners and accruing a huge online following, one of the two business owners who backed the campaign decided to withdraw their support.

In a statement, Marie Ellis who launched the campaign, said: "There has been so much work, time and commitment by our committee members and some dedicated expert individuals that have offered their time and knowledge.

"It is very sad that we have to give this up, after so much work and passion from so many people.

"We are still very passionate about this issue and campaign, and would dearly love it to continue and to come to fruition, to bring our lake back and for the council to support this, but unfortunately in our current state, we cannot continue."

The lake has not been in use for swimming for more than 15 years following the death of Kevin Gay in August 2002.

The man from Shoebury died after hitting his head on a post submerged in the water on a family day out at the lake with his wife and two children.

Following the incident, Maldon District Council said part of depth marker post in the lake snapped off and was not visible beneath the water.

For the last two years the group has been rallying for the support of its community, in the hope the swimming lake could be returned as an attraction for families and visitors.

Mrs Ellis apologised to the campaign's supporters on behalf of the campaign's committee as it announced its end.

She said: "We are deeply saddened and disappointed by this decision we have had to make, and did not make this lightly or without a great deal of consideration of the options."

The Standard has contacted Maldon District Council for a response.