St. Neots Leisure Centre swimming pool will soon benefit from a substantial face lift that will enhance the already well used facility which caters for the community of St. Neots and surrounding villages.

With over 150,000 visitors to the pool each year the internal fabric of the building is now in need of restoration and up-dating to more modern standards. In a recent user survey 20 per cent of respondents said they would like to see an improvement in both the reception and changing room facilities within the swimming pool building.

Coincidently a survey of the pool hall roof, which was conducted following reports of some water penetration at the gutters during heavy rain recently, indicated that due to the age and fabric of the roof, it would be sensible to consider replacement to ensure further leaks did not develop within the next few years.

Following discussions by Huntingdonshire District Council’s cabinet it was agreed to release £464,000 funding to refurbish the internal aspects of the building, and replace the pool roof, recognising that a single closure would minimise disruption for regular users. Partnership funding by Cambridgeshire County Council will assist in completing the project.

Although a closure in the region of 24 weeks is anticipated, a start date has yet to be agreed and the pool will remain open as normal at least throughout the school summer holidays. Efforts will be made to schedule the work during the quietest part of the year so that disruption is kept to a minimum. Swimming lesson users and pre-paid members will receive regular updates and details of alternatives that may be on offer.

Councillor Andrew Hansard, chairman of St Neots Leisure Centre management committee said: “We already have a fine and well-used facility, and this work is necessary to ensure it meets the needs of customers in the 21st century. Our job now is to manage the refurbishment programme and make sure that the work is done as quickly as possible to minimise the temporary loss of amenities to the community.

“We will keep the community fully informed throughout the process.”