LEAKS underneath Great Harwood’s Mercer Hall swimming pool have forced its closure until the spring.

Repair work, organised by Hyndburn Council, including asbestos removal and is scheduled to start early January.

The pool is expected to re-open in March.

Lyndsey Sims, Hyndburn Leisure Trust's chief executive, said, “Our main focus during the temporary closure is to continue to support people to access swimming activities.

"We are pleased that a large proportion of activity has been accommodated at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and thank our customers for their cooperation whilst essential maintenance works take place.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Council leader, said,: “We are working closely with Hyndburn Leisure Trust to ensure the repairs are done and the pool is re-opened as quickly as possible."