Crisis-hit pool is set for action

Stourbridge leisure centre's fun pool will finally re-open this week after a closure lasting more than a month - the facility will be in action from Friday.

The leisure pool at The Crystal Leisure Centre will re-open at noon after closing before Christmas over health and safety fears.

It was closed at the end of November after children fell ill while at a private party at the centre.

A faulty fan was found to have caused a build up of potentially-harmful chlorine fumes in the air.It was closed immediately but expected to re-open within days. But bosses also discovered repairs were needed to broken tiling.

The pool, usually used by thousands of people every week, has been out of use for around five weeks costing the council thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

Spokesman Phil Parker: "We apologise for any inconvenience to customers."

The centre is losing around £1,500 a week while the pool is closed. The cost of lost takings is estimated at around £9,000.

The rest of the centre, including the gym, sports courts and the 25-metre swimming pool, is still open.

All of Dudley Council's centres are in line for makeovers after the closure of Brierley Hill Leisure Centre last year.