Pool closure forces centre staff cutbacks

2:34pm Friday 9th July 2004

STAFF are being laid off at Bricket Wood Leisure Centre because repairs to the swimming pool will not be completed until next year.

The pool has been closed since March when gale force winds shattered two six-foot-wide windows, showering the pool with broken glass.

But Leisure Connection the company that runs the leisure centre on behalf of St Albans District Council said the pool will not open again until January and is making staff redundant in the meantime.

A spokesman said: "Due to the closure of the swimming pool building, Leisure Connection is unable to provide some of its staff with the level of work originally stated within their contracts.

"As a result, all staff concerned have been offered re-deployment within the St Albans contract.

"Leisure Connection has reassured all staff that they will be able to return to their original positions once the swimming pool building re-opens."

The spokesman said all pool staff had been affected but would not say how many.

Council leisure manager Ray Figg said a timetable is being drawn up and a report would go before councillors in September when they will decide on a course of action.

A council spokesman said: "The council has requested quotes for the new windows and for other work for the pool hall from specialist manufacturers. When these are available, members will be asked to explore a number of options for the repair of the pool.

"The work is complex and will take time. Every effort is being made to allow swimmers to fit into the schedules at the Harpenden, Westminster Lodge and other pools."