SWIMMING fans in Bournemouth will be restricted when it comes to taking the plunge this December, by the temporary closure of the pool at the Littledown Centre.

With the pool at the BIC closed earlier this year, it means that swimmers will have to travel instead to facilities at Stokewood Road Leisure Centre or those at Kinson.

Tourism bosses at the Town Hall say that the Littledown pool closure is necessary for essential maintenance work to be carried out and will take place between December 6 and 26.

"As well as being part of the on-going investment at the centre, one of the main reasons for closing the pool is to replace the obsolete pool hall lights which are 15 years old, and remove the redundant ventilation ducts," said a council spokesperson.

Other works planned at the same time include maintenance of the pool filtration system, repairs to the pool surfaces, and re-coating of the water slides.

It is hoped that maintenance to the pool changing room and health suite will also be undertaken.

"To improve accessibility at the centre, an accessible platform hoist will be installed in the first floor foyer for wheelchairs and children's double buggies," said the spokesperson.

"This is to provide access to the ground floor and will be in addition to the existing lift."

All other facilities at the Littledown will remain open while the work is being done, and it is hoped the pool will reopen on December 27.

For more details visit www.littledowncentre.co.uk or call 01202 417600.

First published: November 12