Dunstable 'green pool' closure a 'huge blow' to swimmers

The problems at Dunstable swimming pool are still being investigated

A swimming club said the ongoing closure of a pool where the water turned green had been a "huge blow to our swimmers".

A new sign at the Dunstable Centre in Bedfordshire told visitors the pool would be shut "until further notice".

The site first closed in January due to flood damage. It briefly reopened before being shut again on 11 February after the water went green.

Everyone Active, which runs the pool, said the issue was being investigated.

The pool in Dunstable was closed and emptied on Sunday

Sarah Cooper, from Dunstable Swimming Club, said the closure was a "huge blow to our swimmers" and "could not have come at a worse time", with the club preparing for a regional championship.

She said the club had to source alternative pools, which was "not the easiest task when pool time is limited throughout the area".

The pool changed colour during a children's swimming lesson, which was immediately cancelled

Julie Ann Underwood, 81, travels from Luton to use the pool twice a week.

She told the BBC she was "really surprised" it had to shut soon after reopening.

Ms Underwood said she used the pool regularly to help with a knee injury

Parent Rafael Dakowitz said he used the pool every other day, as part of his recovery from a back injury.

He said he was considering cancelling his membership over the lack of communication.

Mr Dakowitz added: "I'm actually worried about my three-year-old son, as he loves to swim, but given all the facts, I don't want to take him there until I'm sure it's safe."

The Dunstable Centre is owned by the council, with Everyone Active running the pool

Gary Foley, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "Following the recent refilling of the pool, the system is taking time to settle due to the impact of the fresh water.

"We have contacted customers to inform them how they will be reimbursed and to offer them use of the pool at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, while the Dunstable pool is closed."

He promised a further update in the next 24 hours and apologised for the inconvenience.

Rebecca Hares, the executive member for health and community liaison at Central Bedfordshire Council, which owns the building, said it was "disappointed" the pool had not reopened.