The covering around the Coate Water diving board has been removed, giving visitors to the country park their first look at the newly-restored listed structure. 

The Swindon icon was once the site of frivolity and laughter in the town until it became disused, abandoned and covered in bird poo. 

But Swindon Borough Council recently won approval to restore the structure, with work beginning at the start of June. 

During that time a pontoon was constructed from floats, allowing workmen to access the structure without getting wet, and the diving board was covered with with tarpaulin and scaffolding. 

Now, the fruits of their labour and the result of the council's investment of around £100,000 have been revealed. 

Swindon Advertiser: The newly restored Coate Water diving boardThe newly restored Coate Water diving board

The grey, shabby and bird poo-ridden concrete has been cleaned and brought back to a creamy-white colour and blue safety barriers have been added. 

One person enjoying the park said: "It really does look much better than it did before and it's a listed building so it's good that the council is doing something to preserve the town's history and heritage."

Swindon Advertiser: The newly installed blue safety barriersThe newly installed blue safety barriers

Another added: "Yeah, it looks great, but I can't help but feel that money could have been more useful elsewhere. Ideally, they'd restore the diving board and bring it back into use with people being able to swim in the lake, not just ducks and swans."

The restoration of the diving board is one of the few projects currently underway or finishing at Coate Water. 

A relaxing garden of reflection has been completed at the site of the former children's play park with the ground team receiving a lot of praise for their work there. 

Swindon Advertiser:

The popular splash park was recently out-of-action for a number of days due to issues regulating the chlorine levels in the water but has now been repaired and is available to be enjoyed.

Also in the pipeline is the new children's play park which will be built near to the cafe and car park with plans for it to be fully accessible to able-bodied children, and those with disabilities. 

Although some residents have bemoaned the lack of progress that has been made with the play park, as it's been a number of months since the old one was removed.