Bridgnorth swimming pool shut until Easter because of structural issues
Bridgnorth's only community swimming pool is now set to be closed until Easter after unexpected structural issues were discovered.
Building specialists found problems with steel support columns while work was being carried out in the changing rooms at Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre.
Scaffolding will be erected and the pool will remain closed while remedial work is carried out to ensure the area is up to standard.
It is the latest blow for the centre, which closed at the end of September after issues were uncovered while £400,000 work redeveloping the centre was taking place.
Initially the pool was closed until the new year, but now that closure has been extended for a number of months.
The redevelopment of the centre, which was built in the 70s, did not include changes to the pool itself.
It involved the gym being refurbished and a new spin studio and changing rooms being built.
The new "village style" changing rooms will offer more flexibility for families, as well as being more accommodating for disabled swimmers and centre users, according to Phil Loveday, headteacher of the school on the site.
Sport England had awarded the centre £150,000 of National Lottery funding to help improve the facilities.
The centre was one of 22 projects across England to receive funding from Sport England's £7.5 million Improvement Fund.
The latest round of funding placed a special emphasis on helping centre's improve swimming facilities.
Twelve of the 22 successful projects have received cash to either improve pool changing room facilities or refurbish "tired" pools.
Debbie Swales, centre manager, said: "It is business as usual for the other facilities at the centre, gym, fitness classes, indoor cycling studio, racket sports, sports hall, all weather pitch."
The leisure centre is a part of the school that is opened to the community with the assistance of Halo Leisure during holidays and after school use.
There is some use of the facilities by the community during the daytime, such as mother and toddler swims and use of the gym.
The school has been working with Halo for a year and the community has seen a noticeable improvement in the facilities and services provided by the leisure centre.
For more information about the pool's closure at Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre, call 01746 761541.
