The council's newest flagship swimming facility has been beset by a major problem which will require closing a swimming pool for ten days.

Children have been reporting sore toes having used the small pool at Energise, and now the pool will be out of action while the council and its partner work out what is causing the problem.

Labour's opposition leisure spokesperson, Coun. Sonja Crisp said the latest setback for the council on swimming provision was a further letdown for residents.

She commented:

"It seems unclear at this stage what the problem is and that is a worry. Of course the main concern is for the health and safety of the city's young visitors who have been experiencing these problems, but the council needs to sort it out quickly.

"Unfortunately every time the Lib Dem council goes anywhere near a capital project there are problems that either lead to increased cost to the local taxpayer or reduced or badly affected services. It seems unable to get anything of this kind right first time.

"This is without even going into the issue of an acute shortage of swimming lanes in the city for those that want to swim. It paints a bleak picture I'm afraid.

"Given Energise is used by families who do like to use the small pool, I would imagine visitor numbers will be down significantly as a result. Not being able to use the small pool will mean many people are less interested in going in general".