Work to improve showers for swimmers at Bishop’s Castle’s leisure centre has been brought forward to coincide with an unexpected pool closure which has been caused by a broken filter.

Shropshire Council had scheduled a two-week closure of the SpArC pool to carry out £30,000 of infrastructure work including improving both the water pressure and temperature in the showers.

These works will now be carried out as the same time as the plant repairs are made, so that the pool does not have to be closed again.

Bishop’s Castle Leisure Centre said the pool is planned to reopen on Monday, July 31.

County Times: The swimming pool at SpArC in Bishop’s Castle

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said: “It is frustrating that we have had to close the pool now due to a problem with the filter system, but to minimise further disruption we have brought the scheduled works forward to coincide with this emergency closure.

“We anticipate the pool will remain closed until the end of July, allowing sufficient time for the filter repairs to be made and the plumbing works, which will improve the experience for swimmers at the centre.

“It is disappointing the pool will be closed at the start of the school holidays, and we are sorry for the disruption, but we will continue to invest in the leisure facilities for people in and around the town.”

Ruth Houghton, local Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, who is also a trustee of the SpArC support charity, added: “Whilst this is obviously disappointing news for the start of the summer holidays it does mean just one closure period resulting in improved showers at the end of it, as well as the essential repairs being completed on the plant room.

“The swimming pool is an important and valued part of the leisure offer at SpArC and the pool is used by people of all ages in our local community, so all improvements are very welcome.  It will be good to have it back up and running ready for the September school term as it is used by many local primary schools to teach children to swim.”