Ribblesdale Pool in Clitheroe Closed for Six Months
Ribblesdale Pool in Clitheroe is to be closed to the public for six months to allow essential improvements to extend its life by up to 15 years.
Without the work the public pool, which is owned and managed by Ribble Valley Borough Council, would be in danger of closing for good.
Extensive work will be carried out, both behind the scenes and in public areas, to renew and improve the pool’s aging mechanical and electrical systems, replace the lining, and install a new roof.
It follows extensive surveys of the building that made it clear that without the work, the pool faced an ever-increasing risk of failure of parts and infrastructure that could eventually force its closure.
Ribblesdale Pool was built 53 years ago and has already lasted longer than the expected “lifespan” of 35-40 years for a facility of its type.
The overall £4.25 million cost of the project has been found from the council’s capital programme.
The council’s director of community services Adam Allen said:
“It’s been a big decision to close the pool, especially as it is so well used by the public, but this essential work couldn’t be carried out otherwise.
“It will extend the life of the pool by 15 years and allow the next generation of young swimmers to enjoy its facilities.
“We’ve done what we can to work with local swimming clubs and other users to help them find alternative arrangements while the pool is closed.
“Much of the work will be on the engineering systems that aren’t obvious to customers but we are also using the opportunity to refresh some of the public areas as well.”.