A BEAUTY spot beloved by swimmers has finally reopened to the public after being shut last year over health and safety concerns.
Tumbling Bay in West Oxford was closed because there were concerns over the condition of the old retaining wall.
Also known as Tum, the bathing spot opened to the public in 1853 and formally closed in 1990.
However, many people have continued to use it as a now wild swimming spot.
The construction work included removing the wall, reinforcing the riverbank with sheet piling and regrading the land with topsoil and new planting to protect against erosion.
Emergency ladders have also been installed for users safety.
However swimming is still not advised due to the remote location and water quality concerns.
In 2010 a 29-year-old man named Daniel Lewis died at Tumbling Bay after getting into trouble in the water.
Oxford City Council recommends residents instead use one of its four leisure centre pools.
The council also worked with the Environment Agency to regrade the nearby fish pass, improving both its function and biodiversity.
Councillor Anna Railton, cabinet member for a Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council, said: “These improvements were essential to ensure that our local green spaces are fit for purpose.
“Tumbling Bay is a treasured green space by the local community and we will all be pleased to see it reopening” she added.
