THE PENARTH Leisure Centre swimming pool is set to remain closed into the school summer holidays as work continues to make the area safe again.

Work is continuing to bring it back to working condition following the fire that caused "extensive damage" back in February this year.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said that as a result of a further survey more work was required than originally estimated.

"Tenders for the work have been progressed and it is unlikely that the pool will be open for some weeks and may encroach upon the school holiday period," he said.

"Although this is disruptive to the service, it is essential that all the work required is carried out to meet all health and safety issues.

"Design work on the replacement of the Sauna Suite is also progressing and should the work to the pool area be completed before the sauna suite, the pool will be opened whilst the Sauna Suite is still being rebuilt.

"Work to rest of the centre which has already seen other areas including the fitness suite, main hall and squash courts has now been completed and they have reopened."

Cllr Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Our aim is to ensure that the pool and the sauna suite are fully restored to working order. "Unfortunately we have had to ensure that the damage done by the fire does not impact upon public safety. Also initial testing identified additional remedial works and this is adding to everyone’s frustration as we all wish to see the pool reopen as quickly as possible.”

David Knevett, Operational Manager for Leisure and Tourism, added: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by the closure of the pool at present. We are also working with our management partner, Parkwood Community Leisure, to ensure that there will be a quality programme of activities at Penarth Leisure Centre during the school summer holidays.”

Further details on the reopening of the Swimming Pool will follow.