Flumes at city pool to be replaced or refurbed
Council reviewing its options for popular Leicestershire venue
THE flumes at a swimming pool could be refurbished or replaced after a long closure.
The water slides at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, Beaumont Leys, have been closed since last summer due to their “age and condition”.
Leicester City Council is reviewing options including refurbishing or replacing the flumes.
The authority has not said when whatever action they decide on is likely to be taken.
A message on the centre’s website says: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the flumes will not be in operation until further notice.”
A shutter door stops swimmers from accessing either of the pool’s two flumes.
One parent, who regularly visited the pool prior to the lockdown with his two children, said: “We’ve been waiting for it to open again for a while and staff we’ve asked haven’t really known what’s happening.
“The kids are always disappointed when we get here and they’re still closed. It’s a shame because I think a lot of people come here for them, not many pools have them now.”
A council spokesman said: “The flumes were closed last summer due to their age and condition.
“The condition of the flumes has declined over their life cycle, so we are now considering options, including refurbishment or replacement the flumes.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while we look at future options.”
The council is in the process of a £2 million programme of investment which will also see major improvements made to Aylestone and Evington leisure centres later of this year.
The changes will create more space for health and fitness activities – such as dance and spin classes – and a major upgrade to gym equipment.
Deputy city mayor Councillor Piara Singh Clair, who leads on culture, leisure and sport, said: “Our leisure centres are hugely valued by local people and play a very important role in health promotion across the city.
“Reflecting that, we are making this major investment in new facilities to help encourage more people to get fit and active and help improve the health and wellbeing of our local communities. We are confident this will bring in more customers and help ensure our leisure centres continue to thrive.”