HYNDBURN Leisure Centre’s swimming pool is set to close until the New Year for major refurbishment.

The pool will close its doors for 10 weeks on Friday, November 11, to modernise its facilities and make it more efficient and cost effective.

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The project will see tiles and the water tank being replaced as well as a new energy-efficient ceiling fitted.

The depth of the ‘deep end’, the 10ft-deep former diving pool, will be reduced by half to accommodate a new range of water-based exercise classes.

Steve Tanti, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, said: “It’s fantastic news for the centre that this much needed work will be carried out.

“The pool was built in the 1970s and we are aware at the minute it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing.

“However, it’s still used by thousands of swimmers every year.

“We are certain this work will improve the experience of our swimmers, and hopefully attract some new ones.”

Despite the pool being closed until January, the centre’s bosses have managed to accommodate its learn to swim, school and club swimmers at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre in Great Harwood.

That pool will remain open throughout the 10 weeks.

The scheme has been funded by Hyndburn Council and Hyndburn Leisure, as well as contributions from the Prospects Foundation.

Cllr Ken Moss, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “This investment demonstrates the council’s commitment to providing leisure facilities for residents of Hyndburn.

“The leisure centre is an extremely well-used facility.

“With an ever reducing grant from the government we try to ensure investment in our buildings offers some sort of ‘payback’.

“This scheme offers excellent energy efficiency measures, reducing Hyndburn Leisure’s long term spend on utilities and hopefully encouraging more people to use the facilities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it again once it reopens.”

All other facilities at the Henry Street centre, including the gym, sauna, sports hall and squash courts, are set to remain open.