The swimming pool at Broomfields Leisure Centre will remain closed while investigations continue into an issue affecting the pool hall ceiling.
The pool was closed at the end of July for safety reasons while specialist contractors inspected the site and advised that further investigations are required before any repairs can begin.
Specialist access equipment is needed to allow a full assessment of the required repairs to take place.
Warrington Borough Council has now authorised scaffolding works and expects the contractor to begin installation in the final week of August.
Constructing the scaffolding is complex, and it is anticipated that it will take around three weeks to install, after which detailed investigations can proceed.
The council say they are working as quickly as possible with contractors and expects to be in a position to provide an update in September.
The safety of customers, staff and contractors remains the council’s top priority. No investigation or repair work will begin until all necessary health and safety measures are in place.
WBC are working on contingency arrangements for Learn to Swim sessions, performance swimming programmes and school swimming lessons. Those directly affected will be contacted as soon as alternative arrangements and timescales have been confirmed.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, said: “We understand how disappointing this news will be for swimmers, clubs, schools and regular users of Broomfields Leisure Centre. We know how important the pool is to many people in the community and we are sorry for the disruption this closure is causing.
“It’s our priority to understand the extent of any remedial works as quickly as possible, so that we can plan to address the issues with the ceiling.
“The safety of everyone who uses the facility must come first. We are working closely with specialist contractors to understand the full extent of the issue and to ensure that all investigation and repair work can be carried out safely. The scaffolding installation is an important step in allowing a full assessment to take place, and we will keep residents and users updated as soon as we have more information to share.”
