THE loss of Southend’s Marine Activities Centre was a big blow to youngsters who used it each year to learn watersports.

Generations learned to row, kayake and sail.

As a seaside town, it is vital there is somewhere people can learn to safely make the most of our miles of coastline.

So it came as a blow to many, including hundreds of schoolchildren who regularly used the centre, when Southend Council made the decision to close it as it could no longer afford to run it.

The council pledged to find a private organisation to take it on, but could not guarantee its future as a marine activities centre.

Now it seems a saviour is right on the doorstep in the form of a Thorpe Bay businessman who runs similar centres in the Middle East.

A deal is yet to be signed, but council leader Ron Woodley is optimistic.

If all goes to plan, the council is to be congratulated for finding a leaseholder prepared to keep the centre going and even improve it.

It seems the council is trying hard to maintain facilities in the town to suit all tastes rather than going for the easiest option.

Clearly the as yet unknown bidder believes he can transform the centre into a viable business and at the same time he will give future generations of Southend children and adults the chance to learn the skills they need to make the most of the sea.