Pool reopening delayed until at least February

The reopening of a swimming pool that was forced to close due to damage has been delayed again after a new issue was discovered.

Kingfisher Leisure Centre's pool in Sudbury, Suffolk, suffered a damaged glass panel above the roof in August before more damage was found and its reopening was pushed back.

Babergh District Council had been aiming for a December reopening, but said a new problem requiring additional structural work was needed and would be finished by mid-February.

Laura Smith, Green Party cabinet member for thriving communities, said the council was "devastated" by the "deeply frustrating" issue.

"We announced a reopening date with full confidence, and it was unexpected when the survey said this additional work was needed," she said.

"While it is deeply frustrating that we now have a delay, it is unavoidable.

"We want the pool to reopen as soon as possible, but we have to put people's health and safety first."

The exact details of the new problem have not been given by the council, other than the issue was found while carrying out additional repairs and surveys.

No new opening date has been given either.

It said the problems had forced it to "examine a number of long-term options" for the glass roof, with proposals due to be brought forward in due course.

Warren Smyth, chief executive of Abbeycroft that runs the centre, apologised to affected customers.

"We're disappointed we can't open in December as planned, and we know how frustrating this will continue to be for our pool users," he said.

"We look forward to the repairs being completed, putting the disruption firmly behind us, and welcoming back swimmers after all work is completed in February."

The pool's wave machine would be temporarily out of action when the pool reopened, the council said.

All other services in the leisure centre have remained open.

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