SWIMMERS in Radcliffe will be able to enjoy a new temporary pool by the middle of next month, according to council chiefs.

Bury Council leader Mike Connolly told last week’s full council meeting that work on the new £1.15 million facility on the site of Radcliffe Riverside High School in Spring Lane should be finished by mid-May, with foundations already laid on the site.

The main swimming pool at the 47-year-old Radcliffe Leisure Centre closed in December 2013 after severe weather damaged windows and dislodged asbestos.

During repairs, it was discovered the concrete columns and steelwork of the pool’s structure were decaying and corroded due to years of exposure to water and chemicals, and the time needed to restore it was described as “totally unacceptable”.

The new centre will boast a 25 metre by eight metre pool with a spectator area, new fully equipped gym, four court sports hall and studio hall as well as associated wet side and dry side changing facilities.

Cllr Connolly said: “When Radcliffe baths were damaged by the weather we promised that we would do everything we could to make sure that the people of Radcliffe continued to have baths and leisure facilities.

“This is not an easy site to work on and it hasn’t been an easy project but I am delighted to say we are well underway.

“Work on the pool will be ongoing during April and early May with a planned completion in mid-May.

“Work is also well underway to create the new gym and dry side changing areas which are on the same site as the pool.

“Internal walls have been erected. The leisure building has now been separated from the remainder of the closed school and work is currently taking place to deliver the connection of vital services such as electrics, heating, water, and fire alarms.

“Everything should be finished by mid-May and the new facility will be called the Radcliffe Leisure Centre.

“Yet another promise kept.”

The school, which closed last summer, was chosen as the site for the temporary pool because of its ample car parking, community sports facilities and proximity to the town's Metrolink stop.