ESSENTIAL pool maintenance and improvements are scheduled to begin at Littledown Centre later this month.

The pools, spa and changing rooms will be temporarily closed between Monday, December 19 and Saturday, December 31 while works are carried out.

The rest of the centre, including the gym, studios, halls, café, bar and pitches will remain open as usual with festive opening times.

As the work is taking place during the school holidays, swimming lessons are unaffected.

The pools, changing rooms and spa will reopen on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

READ MORE: Littledown Centre set to reopen after early hours fire

READ MORE: Littledown centre to remain closed until the end of the month

The programme of work will include essential repairs and maintenance in the pool hall, spa and changing rooms. Pool hall lighting will be replaced with more energy-efficient LED alternatives and the team will be carrying out an intensive deep clean in readiness for the New Year.

The Littledown community leisure centre is managed by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live, in partnership with BCP Council.

Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s associate director for leisure said: “Littledown’s pool is a thriving community facility enjoyed by thousands of people every week for lessons, clubs and for lifeguard training, exercise classes, hydrotherapy, and recreational swimming. Promoting grassroots development and local swimming talent, the pool also hosts several annual county competitions, events, swim meets and galas.

“Together with BCP Council, we are working hard to preserve the lifespan of this popular facility, meet the needs of our customers, and protect the vital community services we provide.”

The essential maintenance works will address routine wear and tear. The lighting works will ensure the pool is more sustainable and efficient.

Earlier this year BH Live installed energy-saving pool covers at Littledown which are already helping to reduce consumption. The LED light installations in the pool hall will reduce energy consumption further.

Rob Cunningham added: “We thank our customers for bearing with us while these works and improvements are carried out and encourage the use of alternative swimming pools and spa facilities at Stokewood, Pelhams, and Corfe Mullen.”

The centre was also closed recently due to an electrical fire which broke out on the site, on Thursday November 24, causing a power outage. The site was closed for five days following the incident.

For further information about alternative facilities and activities, customers are advised to speak with a member of staff in centre, or visit the BH Live Active app and bhliveactive.org.uk for all pool timetables and session details.