Main pool at Shrewsbury Quarry to stay shut for four more weeks

The accident happened over the New Year period and while the centre's other pools were unaffected, the main 33-metre long pool has been closed to the public while a massive clean-up operation is carried out.

Pool managers Serco were concerned that even though large shards of glass could be cleared from the poolside, and the bottom of the pool by local scuba divers, smaller splinters of glass could have entered the pool's filtration system.

A gala event organised by local swimming group, Shrewsbury Masters, which was due to be held on Saturday night was cancelled, affecting more than 170 participants.

Bernard Wills from Shrewsbury Masters said: "We were really disappointed to have to cancel the gala but totally understood the reasoning behind the closure of the pool.

"We were told there was a problem last Tuesday and that there was going to be a further examination.

"Then we were told last Wednesday that the management felt they had to close the pool and then drain the water. They were concerned there may be some shards of glass in the water and we understand that.

"As I understand it, it is one of the panes of glass that run along the side of the pool by the cafe that broke and it blew into the pool.

"Serco made the decision to close the pool and evaluate the problem.

"They were worried that splinters of glass had gone in to the filter system and they are concerned there could be particles of glass in the water and these could be ingested by swimmers.

"It did cause us some problems with regard to the gala and social event, which was due to be held on Saturday night.

"We had to contact everyone who had said they would come and also those who had booked hotels. We also had to get in touch with the DJ and the caterers and the bar to cancel them.

"We can always hold the gala again, it is just a question of when. Financially it hurts the club because it has cost us money.

"I don't know when the pool will reopen but have been told it will be at least four weeks.

"Serco have got to get permission from Severn Trent to drain the pool. It has got to be completely emptied and then the filtration system has to be flushed through.

"The final stage will be to refill it and that won't be done in a couple of days."

Brian Taylor, chairman of Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, said: “We have unfortunately had to close The Quarry Pool while we carry out essential maintenance and ensure that the pool is safe prior to re-opening.

"We are working hard to have the work completed as soon as possible and we hope to be able to reopen the pool in early February.

"In the meantime, the other pools and the rest of the centre remains open for customers and swimming lessons will continue as normal.”