THE water slide at the new Salt Ayre swimming pool has been closed after a man was taken to hospital needing stitches to his head. The man, who has not been named, is thought to have turned at an awkward angle at the bottom of the 40 metre slide and banged his head. Salt Ayre staff treated him at the poolside and he was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

An investigation is under way and the slide manufacturers are checking the installation which opened just weeks go.

Deputy Town Clerk, Charles Wilson, said: "There's a little wiggle at the bottom of the slide which was designed for both children and adults but it appears that this 'wiggle' caused the man to cut his head on exit. The manufacturers have taken responsibility and their workmen are fitting new sections to the slide and taking out the wiggle.

He added: "It's closed at the moment while the work is being carried out but we hope to see it opened again in about two weeks. The council considers public safety to be of paramount importance and deeply regrets that someone has been hurt."

The accident happened last Monday evening and the Health and Safety Executive have been notified.

It was no known if legal action is being taken.

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