Unfortunately it will not be possible to re-open the swimming pools at Musselburgh and North Berwick Sports Centres on Monday 26 April as initially hoped.
As part of recent modernisation works on behalf of East Lothian Council, new ‘floating floors and dividing booms’ were installed in each pool. The specialist contractor involved with the installation is required to carry out some additional work on new seals and panels before the pools can safely re-open to the public.
It is hoped this work will be completed as soon as possible. East Lothian Council, enjoyleisure and the contractor will continue working closely together.
All other enjoyleisure pools in East Lothian will re-open as planned, with users of the facilities at Musselburgh and North Berwick welcome to use the pools elsewhere.
Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure, East Lothian Council, said:
“We’re very much looking forward to the re-opening of sports facilities in East Lothian.
“Unfortunately, following recent modernisation works, there is some snagging work which requires to be carried out by our contractor before the pools at Musselburgh and North Berwick can safely re-open to the public.
“We appreciate this will be frustrating and apologise to all users who would have been looking forward to a swim from next week, but it’s vital that this work is carried out in the interests of safety. Completion of the work has been complicated by the challenges of the current pandemic but we are committed to working with our partners at enjoyleisure and our contractor to completing this work as a matter of priority.
“When the pools re-open, users will reap the benefits of the investment in upgraded facilities, which will be a tremendous asset for local communities for many years to come.”
Bill Axon, Chief Executive, enjoyleisure, adds:
“enjoyleisure deeply regrets having to delay the reopening of Musselburgh and North Berwick Swimming Pools. We know just how eager our customers are to return to the pool, and at these venues in particular.”
“As East Lothian’s Charitable Health, Wellbeing & Leisure Trust, we are absolutely committed to providing opportunities for residents, and visitors alike, to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. However ensuring the safety of our customers is always our first and most important priority.
“Following the extensive maintenance work carried out to replace the floating floor functionalities at these pools, without knowing all inspection criteria has been met, enjoy, alongside our partners East Lothian Council, are simply not in a position to reopen these facilities to the public.
“We realise this announcement will come as a significant disappointment to our customers, loyal members, lesson participants and local swimming clubs. However, we are grateful that enjoyleisure can continue to provide further swimming pool provisions in Dunbar, Haddington, Tranent along with the FES managed Mercat Gait in Prestonpans, which will all be opening on Monday 26th April. We encourage customers to utilise these facilities wherever possible.
“As soon as we have further updates on the reopening of theses pools they will be shared with customers and members of the public.”