Swimming pool stays shut five months after closure

Oasis Beach Pool has two pool, two flumes, as well as a gym and steam room

A swimming pool that has been shut for five months is set to remain closed.

Oasis Beach Pool, in Bedford, has not been open since November, with owners Bedford Borough Council changing to new operators last month.

Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) took over management of the site on 1 February and it said "a huge amount of work" was taking place "to improve the customer experience".

"We know this news will also be hotly anticipated by the local community and we’ll be sharing details as soon as we are able," a GLL spokesman said.

The pool was photographed in a poor state of condition in August 2020, when it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic

In August 2023, the pool's previous operator Fusion Lifestyle was sent a health and safety improvement notice over fire safety and broken panic alarms.

The premises were described as being like "Chernobyl" during lockdown in 2020.

A spokesman for GLL said it was "very excited to be working up plans with Bedford Borough Council to reopen Bedford’s Oasis Beach Pool".

"There is a huge amount of work happening already underway at the site to improve the customer experience.

"We know this news will also be hotly anticipated by the local community and we’ll be sharing details as soon as we are able."

On its website GLL said: "The council has taken the decision to keep Oasis Beach Pool closed to allow the completion of an extensive and thorough assessment of the centre."

No date has been given for the pool's reopening.