Carmarthenshire News, Carmarthen News - from the South Wales Guardian

Pool replacement to cost a six-figure sum

From the archive, first published Wednesday 7th Sep 2005.

RESULTS of a survey have shown that Hendy Pool will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to replace.

The facility is beyond economical repair and would need to be replaced with a new structure, engineers have recommended.

Carmarthenshire Council's executive board called for a detailed report following structural damage to the basin which led to the closure of the pool.

An initial report had shown it needed at least £100,000 spent on it in the short-term, with no guarantee of the repairs lasting.

The council has been in talks with the community since then to try to find a way forward.

Members asked for the in-depth survey to be carried out to assess the pool's condition.

It has now been completed and states that: "We are of the opinion that the swimming pool structure has reached the end of its useful life.

"Although it would be possible to undertake repairs to the existing structure, we are of the opinion that, in the long term, it would be more financially beneficial to remove the existing pool and provide a new structure.

"This would be designed in accordance with current guidelines and taking due consideration of the prevailing ground conditions and varying water table."

Officers estimate the cost of providing a new pool would be hundreds of thousands of pounds.

They are now seeking more accurate costings.

Leisure executive board member Councillor Clive Scourfield said: "It is extremely disappointing that the current facility is judged to be beyond economical repair.

"We now need to look at this report and continue our talks with the community to determine the best way forward."

The report will go before the executive board next month.

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