Pool plan down the drain

Perth leisure bosses have adm itted defeat in their bid to find a temporary pool for the city as they work to repair flood damage at the existing centre.

The leisure centre was severely damaged in August’s storms and, facing a £500,000 repair bill, has remained shut since.

Operators Live Active Leisure and Perth and Kinross Council have been examining temporary alternatives for swimmers during the expected yearlong shutdown.

Among the options have been a temporary “standalone” modular swimming pool and a reconfiguration of the existing training pool.

The former swimming pool at Aviva’s headquarters at Pitheavlis was also considered but it has emerged an alternative plan for this site is already under way.

Paul Cromwell, CEO of Live Active Leisure, said: “It is very disappointing that I must inform c u s t om e r s t h a t u n f o r t u n a t e l y, these options have been ruled out.

“A temporary pool would take approximately nine to 12 months to put in place.

“Reconfiguring the e xi s t i n g training pool would take at least six months and would create a high risk of negatively impacting on the wider reinstatement work which is progressing, which could therefore result in an extended closure of the whole facility.

“We understand the importance of Perth leisure pool in the lives of the people of Perth, supporting the health and wellbeing of ou r commun i t ie s , providing fun, learn- toswim opportunities for children and adults, and providing the training ground for our young athletes and the Olympians of tomorrow.

“We will now focus our full attention to the two principle priorities over the course of this challenging period.

“F i r s t l y, we will do everything we can to support key user groups, clubs and customers by providing access to alternative programmes and venues in the area, and secondly, ensure that the reinstatement work at

Pe r t h leisure pool is completed on time, and of course, if we are able, try and bring the reopening of Perth leisure pool ahead of the anticipated September 2021 reopening date.”

Karen Reid , chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “Our joint focus now must be on getting the pool repaired as quickly as possible and the council continues to work closely with LAL to support this as an urgent priority.”

OUT OF ACTION: Work to repair Perth leisure pool is expected to take until September next year after it suffered severe storm damage in August. Picture by Steve MacDougall.