Radcliffe Swimming Pool has closed permanently after eight years in the town due to a "major failure" of the heating system.
The closure of the "temporary pool", which was installed in 2015, has been brought forward sooner than expected on “grounds of health and safety due to a major failure of the pool heating system”.
Pool users have been made aware of the closure and in a letter, have been asked to keep in mind that new “modern” leisure facilities are on the way to Radcliffe.
The pool was first closed for 12 days from August 7 while a repair was arranged.
This was initially successful but the heating system failed again soon after meaning the pool had to close for a second time on August 24.
But since then, further investigations revealed significant corrosion to the heating pipework and steel supports, particularly within the section directly under the swimming pool.
This is reported to require major repair work costing in the region of £22,000.
A leisure centre spokesperson said: "Such repairs would take until the end of September to complete, leaving only 10 weeks to use the pool before the leisure centre closes on December 10, to make way for the new Radcliffe Academy.
"Under these circumstances, it is not economically viable to carry out further high-cost repairs to the pool."
A notice to leisure centre users said the decision was a “difficult” one to make and does not affect the Radcliffe centres gym, studio hall and sports hall.
The notice states: “Radcliffe temporary swimming pool was installed in 2015 and it has served the community well during this time.
Multi-million pound plans to regenerate Radcliffe sent to residents
“We know pool users will be disappointed by the sooner-than-expected permanent closure, but please keep in mind that ultra-modern leisure centre facilities are on the way at Radcliffe town centre.
“In the future, the £30m Radcliffe Civic Hub will become the permanent new home for Radcliffe Leisure Centre, along with a new library and enhanced wellbeing services.
“As a valued member/customer, we apologise for any inconvenience caused by the closure of Radcliffe’s temporary pool. Your patience and understanding in this matter is much appreciated.”
Bury leisure staff face redundancy as digital first proposal submitted
If you are a member and swimming is included in your membership, you can swim at the other centres in Bury and Ramsbottom at no extra cost.
This includes Castle Leisure Centre on Bolton Street in Bury and Ramsbottom Leisure Centre on Stubbins Lane.
The future pool facilities are said to include a six-lane 25m swimming pool, separate training and teaching pool with a moveable floor and poolside seating for up to 150 spectators.
Other facilities at the leisure centre will include a 100-station high-tech gym, two large purpose-built fitness studios, consultation rooms, a café, rooftop activity space and multiple climbing walls provided by Clip "n" Climb.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel