Anger as pool to stay closed to assess costs

Water carry on The popular John Smith Pool has been shut since late December last year

- IAN BUNTING

Airdrie’s John Smith Pool will remain closed for at least another two months as the council says repair costs are expected to reach around £1 million.

The popular town centre leisure venue has been shut since late December for what was initially described as “technical issues” before being identified as “flooding to the pool plant room”.

But its doors still remain closed - with no immediate sign of a reopening.

Airdrie’s MSP, Neil Gray, has slammed the latest delay, saying “patience has run out” and that his constituents “have been given mixed messages for months as to what is happening with the pool”.

North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue explained: “I have been advised by council officers that the indicative costs of repairs at the John Smith Pool are significantly higher than was initially anticipated - and that these costs are expected to be in the region of £1 million for long-term repair.

“Notwithstanding this, I have instructed officers to review current financial plans and table a report to the next Communities Committee on August 18 for further deliberation.

“I am committed to the necessary repairs being undertaken as soon as possible thereafter.