A NORTH Durham swimming pool reopens today after a £250,000 refurbishment.

The Chester-le-Street swimming pool will open this morning following extensive works carried out in the main pool and learner pool areas since they closed in October.

Chester-le-Street District Council's assistant operation's manager, Chris Lonsdale, said: "The pools are 35 years old and undergo continual maintenance, but it was found the building and equipment needed a complete overhaul.

"The work will have had to be carried out over the next couple of years. This has given it a new lease of life - and it will last for many years yet."

Mr Lonsdale said the ceilings of the main pool and learning pool areas had to be taken down and replaced.

He added: "As part of the work, we have also taken the lighting out of the ceilings and have had new lights mounted on the walls.

"This will take some of the glare off the water and improve the visibility, making it even safer.

"We have also replaced all of the pool piping so that everything will continue running smoothly."

Mr Lonsdale said the reopened pool would feature a revamp of the swimming lessons programme.

He said: "We have adjusted the opening times of the main pool, so there are times when it is dedicated for lessons. We hope it will make it more accessible for those wanting to take lessons."

From today, the pool will be dedicated to lessons from 4pm to 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, while it will be closed for lessons from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

There will be lessons for pre-school, beginners, improvers, and advanced adults provided by up to six qualified teachers.

Aquafix classes will also be resumed and will be held at 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for an hour from 8.30pm on Wednesdays.

The general opening times are from 7.30am to 10pm.

The centre includes a fitness suite which has recently achieved an Inclusive Fitness Initiative award, for allowing disabled access to the gym. It also has squash courts, a sauna, creche and an adventure play centre for children.

For further details, visit www.chester-le-street.gov.uk