Dunstable swimming pool closed after water 'turns green'

A swimming lesson was cancelled and the swimming pool closed after the water changed into a green colour

Frustrated parents have accused a pool of reopening "too early" after the water "turned green".

The swimming pool at the Dunstable Centre in Bedfordshire had only reopened on Thursday after the building was damaged by flooding on 31 January.

Dad Mark Thornalley said: "Right in the middle of my son's swimming lesson, the whole pool turned green and they had to jump out of the pool."

Everyone Active, which runs the centre, said the closure was a precaution.

It said the pool would remain temporarily closed while contractors tried to identify the cause of the issue.

The statement added: "We hope to reopen the pool in the next couple of days and will provide a further update as soon as we can."

'Green' water

Mr Thornalley said "I was watching my son swim from the balcony viewing area, the water was clean and then I turned round to chat to my other son who was with me and then that appeared."

A children's swimming lesson was taking place in the largest pool when water started to "change colour".

The parent added: "My son's class was in the corner of the pool and got out in time before they got it.

"There was a man swimming down the middle of the pool when it happened."

James Read said when he arrived at 09:00 GMT the water had "a green tinge"

Another parent, James Read, said his son's swimming lesson was cancelled when he arrived at 09:00 GMT.

He said he was told by a member of staff that "something was backing up into the pool and the lesson will not be going ahead as they will have to empty the pool".

Mr Read said: "I'm frustrated as it's not the first time it's happened and it's holding back the kids progression on the swimming lessons."

In a statement, The Dunstable Centre apologised for for "the inconvenience caused again".

It said: "The team are working desperately hard to rectify this in very difficult circumstances.

"We would like to reassure you that the pool readings are within parameters and safe with suitable disinfection however the main pool will remain closed whilst we continue to investigate."