Headline: Street pool closure drags on as historic tank issues probed

Strapline: Freedom Leisure says investigations into the main pool tank are running alongside repairs following flooding.

Standfirst: Investigations into historic problems with Strode's main pool tank are taking place alongside flood recovery work as Street swimmers await its reopening.

SEO title: Street Strode pool closure: historic tank issues investigated

Meta description: Freedom Leisure says historic issues with Strode's main pool tank are being investigated alongside flood repairs at the Street leisure centre.

Historic problems with Strode's main pool tank are being investigated as swimmers in Street face a continuing wait for it to reopen. Freedom Leisure has confirmed that the investigations are running alongside repairs following flooding at the centre.

More than two months after the original shutdown was announced, the main pool, sauna and downstairs gym remain closed. Parts of the centre have reopened, but no reopening date for the remaining facilities has been published. w

In a statement, Freedom Leisure said: "Alongside the flood recovery works further investigations into historic issues associated with the main pool tank are currently being progressed, along with the implementation a variety of technical actions that we hope may resolve the underlying problem.

"In parallel, specialist contractors appointed through the Council's insurers are continuing to undertake the recovery works required following the flooding incident. This includes drying out affected areas, removing damaged materials and carrying out the necessary reinstatement works.

"Whilst some of this activity may not be immediately visible to the public, there is ongoing work taking place behind the scenes. Unfortunately, these investigations and recovery works take time, particularly where specialist contractors and insurers are involved, but all parties remain focused on restoring the centre as quickly and safely as possible.

"We recognise the frustration this is causing local residents and user groups and appreciate the patience that has been shown whilst the works continue."

The statement identifies work on the pool tank as a further issue alongside the flood damage. However, it does not specify the nature of the historic problems, how long they have been known about or when the investigations are expected to finish.

Nub News first reported the centre's closure on 6 August, when customers were told an interruption to the water supply had forced it to shut until further notice. Contractors were working to resolve the problem, with no reopening date available at that stage.

The upstairs gym, studio and small pool subsequently reopened on 7 September. A recovery update explained that flooding had significantly affected the downstairs gym and that further repairs were required to the main pool.

The continuing closure has also disrupted swimming lessons. Freedom Leisure says customers whose Swim School lessons take place exclusively in the main pool will not have their October direct debit collected, while small-pool lessons and payments are continuing as normal.

Temporary reduced fitness memberships have been introduced to reflect the facilities available. Prices are £20 a month for a single membership, £40 for a joint membership and £60 for a family membership.

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