Shrewsbury's main Quarry swimming pool closed over loose roof panels
Shrewsbury's Quarry swimming pool has been closed after roof panelling became loose.
Rope teams will be called in to assess the state of the panelling.
A routine inspection by the operators spotted a problem over the main pool at The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and it was closed on Tuesday. The rest of the centre remains open.
Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The loose panels and duct were discovered during routine inspection by the operators outside of opening hours and no-one was hurt. The safety of customers is paramount to Shropshire Council and the operators so the main pool remains closed, but all other facilities are open as normal.
“Rope teams are due to assess the damage tomorrow and until we have that assessment we cannot say how long the main pool will remain closed.
“Shropshire Council knows how important to people swimming facilities in Shrewsbury are and remains committed to working with partners on the project and the site will be maintained in the meantime.”
The centre, in Priory Road, is managed Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and includes a gym, four swimming pools and a workout area.
The council spokesman added: "The health and safety of all customers is of paramount importance to Shropshire Council and we fully support the action taken by the operator. The remainder of the centre is open and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Earlier this year, Shropshire Council put plans to build new facilities at the Quarry pool on hold after hearing of spiralling costs. The council decided to prioritise a replacement swimming pool for Whitchurch, and to build a new £10 million swimming pool in the north of Shrewsbury before the demolition and rebuild of its main Quarry swimming centre.
Earlier this year the council reaffirmed its commitment to retaining a swimming facility in the Quarry, but said “complications” with the site and the need to secure funding meant the plans for a new pool building at Sundorne Sports Village were being carried forward first.
In February 2020, high winds during Storm Ciara lifted a section of the roof above the main Quarry pool.
