'Unacceptable' - Swimming cancelled as Southend pool closed due to temperatures
SWIMMING has been cancelled at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre after pool temperatures drop below required levels.
According to residents, the temperature at the Garon Park pool has been steadily dropping in recent months before suddenly closing at the end of last week.
Southend Council has branded the level of service being offered by leisure provider, Fusion Lifestyle, as 'unacceptable' and said the firm will continue to be held to account.
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'It's been getting gradually colder for a few weeks, and I have spoken to staff at the swimming pool about it,' said regular swimmer Andrea Rowlands.
'However, the last time I swam before the pool closed, the water was so cold that it was actually painful to be in.
'I swim everyday so this closure is going to have a big impact on me and the other people who use the pool.'
Andrea added that the water in the pool had dropped to at least five degrees below the required 26 degrees celsius for public swimming pools in the UK.
Closed - The pool at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre has been closed due to low temperatures (Image: Google Maps) While Fusion Lifestyle is responsible for the operation of Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, the facilities themselves are Southend Council-owned.
Matt Dent, Labour councillor for business, said: 'We're aware of the temporary pool closure at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre due to the ongoing temperature issues.
'We've made it clear to Fusion Lifestyle that this level of service is unacceptable. Fusion Lifestyle have assured us they are chasing the contractor to carry out the works as soon as possible this week, so pool usage can resume, and council officers are continuing to hold Fusion to account.'
Fusion has also confirmed that it is liaising with contractors to organise a timeframe for the works, which will be communicated to pool users as soon as possible – no reason was provided for the drop in temperature.
'We are working hard to resolve the pool temperature issue at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre,' said a Fusion Lifestyle spokesperson.
'We are liaising with our contractors and will update on timings for the required works as soon as possible.'
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