New £4m baths are to open

Rugeley’s long-awaited new £4.25 million swimming pool will finally open to the public next weekend after around four months of delays.

The first swimmers can take the plunge on Saturday when former European and Commonwealth Champion Swimmer Adam Whitehead will perform the opening ceremony.

The 25-metre pool, which has six lanes, was originally due to be finished by March.

Chase and Phoenix Swimming Clubs will be holding demonstrations.

Open swimming sessions will be available to the public all weekend from 9am-4pm.

Mr Whitehead will be escorted on a tour of the leisure centre facilities with Cannock Chase Council leader Neil Stanley who said: “This will be a fabulous occasion for the whole family. Rugeley residents have waited a long time to get a swimming pool.”