A TOWN'S swimming pool is to close indefinitely because of a suspected leak.

Technical experts have been called in following the discovery of the leak at the council-run pool at Great Harwood's Mercer Hall Leisure Centre.

The problem came to light during annual maintenance and inspection work carried out during the Christmas holidays.

It is believed the problem is in a pipe underneath the pool leading from a reserve water tank.

Specialist TV cameras have been bought in to try to locate the leak. Hyndburn Council is refusing to say when the pool will re-open and the closure could last some time if the bottom of the pool has to be dug up.

Alan Hodge, of Hyndburn works department, said: "At this stage it is impossible to say how long the pool will be closed.

"We have an idea where the problem lies and, if we are correct, it will be closed for weeks rather than months."

A spokesman for the council added: "The council very much regrets that it will be necessary for the swimming pool to stay closed until further notice."

The rest of the leisure centre will stay open while the repair work is carried out. Anyone with further inquiries should ring 01254 885607.

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