Clements Hall’s swimming pool has been closed and is not expected to re-open until the end of this month while work is done to repair a broken fan.
The closure of the pool in Sweyne Avenue, Hawkwell, has disrupted swimming lessons as well as the training sessions of athletes competing in the Essex Swimming championships over the next two weeks.
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Julie Gooding, non-aligned councillor for Hawkwell West, said: “I have had families contact me as it is Essex Swimming championships at the London Aquatics Centre this weekend and next weekend.
“Those who have qualified have worked extremely hard to achieve county times. The closure of the pool which they use to train will seriously impact their performance.”
Julie Gooding said she is disappointed that Fusion Lifestyle has had to close the pool to customers (Image: Julie Gooding) A spokesman from Fusion Lifestyle, which manages the leisure centre, said: “Unfortunately, the pool at Clements Hall has had to be temporarily closed due to necessary repair work, and work is in hand to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“Replacement parts have been ordered, and we anticipate reopening by the end of January.
“We know how important the pool is to the local community and understand how frustrating it must be to have it temporarily out of service.”
While the pool is closed, members are welcome to use any Fusion site without any additional cost.
Fusion Lifestyle’s management of Clements Hall Leisure Centre is set to end in the coming months following a deal between Rochford Council and leisure management company Everyone Active.
Management of Clements Hall will soon be transferred to Everyone Active (Image: Julie Gooding) The deal will give Everyone Active operational responsibility of the council’s leisure facilities for the next 15 years.
Mrs Gooding has been closely involved in the transition from Fusion Lifestyle to Everyone Active.
She said: “Although there is no end to the inconveniences caused [by the pool closure], I am looking ahead to the benefits the new contractor, Everyone Active, will provide alongside council investments for our residents.”