Outdoor pool closed during hottest days of year after opening hours cut

The opening hours of the pool in Market Drayton have been cut after visitor numbers tailed off in recent years, according to managers of the Newtown Road venue.

It meant that the Newtown Road pool remained closed this week when temperatures reached the 30C (86F) mark.

It will open on July 18 for the summer season.

People have also criticised the area surrounding the pool, which they say is overgrown with weeds.

One user branded it "an absolute disgrace".

In past years the pool was open during May, it has been claimed.

The town also has an indoor pool but residents have claimed it is "not designed for family days out".

Rachel Harvey, contract operations manager, said: "The outdoor pool is programmed to open during the summer holidays this year.

"This is due to reduced visitor numbers and not enough demand over the past few years out of school holiday time.

"It takes a lot of planning and organisation to open the pool so we just can't do it as a result of a short spell of good weather.

"Each year we have to recommission the pool.

"We have already given the whole area a new coat of paint and are currently in the process of cleaning and weeding the area.

"We are getting somebody in to tidy up the area next week."

A number of residents posted their displeasure at the outdoor pool being closed on the Drayton Crier, Market Drayton's community Facebook page.

Cliff Taylor posted: "The outdoor pool area at Market Drayton swimming pool is an absolute disgrace.

"The pool cover is being used by pigeons as a paddling pool and the surrounding area is just a mass of overgrown weeds.

"Gone are the days when the outdoor pool was open the first Sunday in May come hail or shine, now cannot get it open for July 1.

"Yes, the indoor pool is an excellent facility, but not designed for family days out. The large paddling pool is a distant memory."

Sheree Brown commented: "We went down Tuesday night thinking the outdoor pool would be open in the lovely weather to be told it will only open at weekends, weather permitting, my children were disappointed.

"I used to love the outdoor pool as a child and have great memories of family days out with parents."

A Spokesperson for the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust said: "The Outdoor Pool at Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre opened for the summer on May 31.

"The Outdoor Pool is currently open every weekend and will be open every day from July 18 for the school summer holidays.

"We are looking forward to welcoming local residents to enjoy the pool and make the most of this fantastic weather."