A popular leisure centre swimming pool is set to close for eight months while work to replace the roof is carried out.

Both the leisure pool and teaching pool at Larkfield Leisure Centre in New Hythe Lane will be closed from Monday, September 30 until Friday, May 29 next year.

All other areas of the building will remain open and the centre’s full activity programme will continue as normal.

Martin Guyton chief executive of tmactive which runs the site, said: “The building is now 40-years-old and these roof works are essential.

"We will do our very best to make sure that our customers continue to enjoy good levels of service and satisfaction during this period.

"Although inconvenient in the short term, the opportunity to upgrade the boilers, leisure pool and make further improvements to the building will ensure that the centre is available for customers to enjoy for the next 40 years and beyond.”

The tmactive swim school will continue to operate a full programme in the fitness pool while pool platforms will be used to reduce the depth of the water and there will be additional Level 1 swimming assistants in lessons to provide support to teachers and children.

The roof will be replaced with a with a multi-wall structured polycarbonate which will deliver improved heat retention.

Further improvements will include as replacing the boilers, improving the air handling, and upgrading the leisure pool with new features.

It has been estimated that the new boilers alone will reduce energy consumption by around 20%, including a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The new heating pumps will be inverter driven to ensure optimum performance and the air handling unit will have new, more efficient fans installed.

Due to the length and inconvenience of the leisure pool closure, all existing members will receive a reduction in the cost or an extension of their membership.

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