Kettering pool re-opening delayed by boiler issues

People hoping to go for a post-lockdown swim in Kettering will have to wait until next week at the earliest because of boiler issues at the town's pool.

Swimming pools around the country re-opened yesterday (Wednesday) after national restrictions were lifted, but Kettering Swimming Pool in London Road is closed.

Boilers at the pool need to be refurbished but the work was not completed during the lockdown, which Kettering Council says was down to supply chain issues.

A council spokesman said: "The swimming pool re-opening is planned for December 7, subject to boiler works going according to plan.

"Ideally, we would have opened at the end of lockdown, however there have been supply chain issues in obtaining the necessary parts for the boiler refurbishment.

"Following completion of the works, the pool water will need to reach an appropriate temperature for public access."

Mike Annable, chairman of Kettering Amateur Swimming Club, said club members were looking forward to getting back into the pool after losing a month of training - only to be told at the last minute they would not be able to.

He said: "To be told at 10am (on Wednesday) that we would not be able to train in Kettering until Monday is simply ridiculous.

"We are grateful for the investment that the council has made over the last few months, and replacing the boilers is clearly going to improve everyone's experience, but when the pool has been closed from November 4 it makes no sense whatsoever why this work is being done now.

"Yet again it demonstrates that this council has little interest in the swimming pool."

Mr Annable said a few members of the public had a swim before the pool was closed, but a council spokesman said they were not aware that anyone had access to the pool yesterday.