A COMMUNITY swimming pool is to re-open to the public after a lengthy period of closure to rectify major defects.

Consett Swimming Pool on Medomsley Road has been closed for over two years so extensive repair work could be carried out.

Durham County Council became aware of the issues when it took over the management of the leisure centre in 2018.

The situation was complicated further as the original construction contractor, Carillion, had gone out of business.

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The pool was forced to close in March 2020 when nationwide lockdowns were brought in to control the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the time, investigations and assessments were carried out to establish what needed to be done.

The council has been carrying out the substantial and complex technical repairs since restrictions were eased last spring and has announced they have now been completed. 

The works have included the installation of a new pool liner, which was prefabricated off the site.

Work has been ongoing to install the pool liner since November last year.

Councillor James Rowlandson, the authority’s cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “We appreciate that there has been disruption to our customers and would like to thank everyone for their patience while these essential repairs have been carried out.

“We look forward to the pool re-opening and providing an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy swimming activities at the site.” 

The swimming pool at Consett Leisure Centre will open on Friday July 1.

Learn to Swim customers who were having lessons at the pool prior to its closure will be contacted directly with specific details regarding their specific start date via email.

Customers are encouraged to look out for the email and respond by the date provided.

Aqua classes will restart the week commencing Monday July 4, with classes bookable from seven days in advance.

Free weekend swim sessions for those aged 18 and under will be available on Saturdays from July 2 between 1pm and 2pm until the school holidays as part of a County Durham Sport-funded free weekend swimming initiative available across all of the council’s swimming pool sites.

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