Skip to content

Pool operator apologises for ongoing closure

John Devine/BBC An empty six-lane, 25m (82ft) swimming pool with a sloped white lining, with black lines on the base to denote where the lanes are. There are builders' materials around it and plastic orange safety fencing. There are beige non-slip tiles around the walkways surrounding the pool.John Devine/BBC
The pool remains empty after what was supposed to be a five-day closure for maintenance escalated into a bigger job

A Cambridgeshire town's swimming pool remains shut a month after closing for what was supposed to be routine maintenance lasting less than a week.

Contractors discovered extra issues with the pool at the George Campbell Leisure Centre in March when they set out to service the filtration system last month.

Many centre members pay by direct debit to swim and complained that money was still being taken despite being unable to use the facility.

Its operator, Freedom Leisure, said it was "truly sorry" for the extended closure and was "in the process of contacting customers most affected regarding their payments".

Freedom Leisure/FDC An indoor six-lane swimming pool, 25m (82ft) long with some swimmers doing lengths. The walls have black and white chequered tiles and there are beige coloured non-slip tiles on the walkway around the pool.Freedom Leisure/FDC
Many users of the pool pay by direct debit and felt they should have had notification about possible refunds sooner

Notice was given that the six-lane, 25m (82ft) pool would close on 16 December to replace elements of the filtration system, at a cost of £15,000.

"However, it was during these works that contractors discovered further significant repair and maintenance works were required," Fenland District Council, which owns the building, said.

It said it would use the opportunity to completely reline the pool as well, with overall costs coming in at £150,000.

It comes as the nearby Regional Pool in Peterborough is set to be demolished, after being closed in 2023 when high-risk concrete was discovered in the building.

There are also plans to mothball the city's lido due to financial constraints.

The city council has agreed to build a replacement for the Regional Pool that could be finished by 2028.

Freedom Leisure/FDC The George Campbell Leisure Centre is a modern looking building with light blue exterior walls, with breeze block visible from about 1m (3ft) up from the ground. There is a flight of four steps to the right hand side leading to some glass double doors. It has a large sign on the top facade with its name on.Freedom Leisure/FDC
Freedom Leisure runs the centre and hopes to have the pool operational again by 17 February

Some members of the March pool posted on social media to express their frustration at the situation.

One said: "I know these things can't be predicted but it's actions when they do happen could be a lot better.

"It shouldn't be on the customers to try and get their money back constantly."

Another commented: "Absolutely ridiculous! Perhaps whilst you're at it you could acknowledge my cancellation request and refund me."

A Freedom Leisure spokesperson said: "We are truly sorry for the extended closure of the pool at George Campbell and we do realise that this will cause inconvenience and disruption to our valued customers.

"Please be assured we are working with Fenland District Council and their contractors to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

"It is our intention to have the pool operational again on, or around, 17th February 2025. We are now in the process of contacting customers most affected regarding their payments."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

You may also be interested in
Related internet links