Council bosses say the Stour Centre’s leisure pool will be closed for three months while repairs are carried out.
Last week it emerged that cracks in the tiles had caused leaks and two pools were closed by managers while the problem was investigated.
The leisure pool, which includes a flume, raging river and wave maker, was the main feature of the centre’s £17 million extension, opened in September 2007.
The adjoining learner pool has also been affected by the problem because it shares the same water as the leisure pool. Managers hope to isolate the learner pool so it can be continue to be used.
Ashford council says it will try to reclaim cash from contractors who finished the project less than three years ago.
A spokesman said: “Water has penetrated underneath the floor tiles, causing several large areas of tiling to lift. Further investigative work will be carried out next week to clarify the exact cause of the problem and the full extent of remedial work required.
“This is so that the cracked and de-bonded tiles in the swimming pool floor can be removed and replaced.”
The Stour Centre extension was plagued with delays during construction, meaning it eventually opened 18 months late and more than £5 million over budget.
However, swimmers will still be able to use the main swimming pool, which was part of the original building, and all other facilities such as the gym will remain open.
Head of cultural and project office services at Ashford council Mark Carty said: “We are very disappointed that this has happened within three years of the Stour Centre reopening.
“We are looking very closely at the integrity of both the design and the construction of the pool to establish the cause of the problem and to see if any costs can be recovered.”
Cllr Peter Davison leader of the independent group said: “It is of course a double whammy for Ashford as there will be a cost of repairs and a loss of income. Swimming is one of the most popular leisure activities in the borough and so it is a tragedy for regular users.
“I know that the council will want to re-open the affected facilities as soon as possible but have to maintain safety standards.”
Any queries regarding pool availability can be made to the Stour Centre on 01233 663503, or visit www.ashfordleisuretrust.co.uk
POSTED: 10/03/2010 16:15:00
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