Closure of swimming baths

Swimmers will be forced to use another baths when their pool is closed for around six months.

Barrhead Foundry is undergoing a £2.2million upgrade, including work to its health suite and changing rooms.

Sports chiefs insist closure of the swimming area is vital while they are splashing the cash.

Anthony McReavy, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, says shutting the pool and health suite is unavoidable during the refit.

He said:“When the work is completed, visitors to Barrhead Foundry pool will have a significantly improved facility to enjoy. It’s necessary to close the pool while this major refurbishment takes place, but I can assure people that it will be well worth the wait.

“Visitors will notice a big difference in the quality of the pool, health suite and changing areas.”

Work is slated to get under way later this year and will not be completed until next summer.

It will see new cubicles and lockers providing more room and showers and toilets.

The refurbishment will also lead to an improvement in water quality.

Gym changing rooms will be closed for three months, but alternatives will be in place.

The gym, games hall, library and all other facilities will remain open.

Swimming lessons will be transferred to Neilston Leisure Centre during the upgrade, but days may be changed.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan says the work shows a“commitment”to improving services in the town.

He said:“This significant upgrade at the Barrhead Foundry pool will be fantastic and I can’t wait to see it completed.

“Once work is under way, every effort will be made to keep any disruption to a minimum and residents’patience during this period is appreciated.”