SWIMMERS in Chippenham will be without a pool for almost two months as the Olympiad Leisure Centre will close to carry out ‘essential’ renovations and maintenance work.

The leisure centre, on Sadler’s Mead, is set to close on November 11 as work to remove the flumes that have not recently been in use.

All other facilities at the centre will remain open for business during the period of the pool closure, including the fitness suite and sports hall.

The closure, which is likely to last for at least seven weeks, has been scheduled to coincide with Christmas closures.

This means the pool should be re-opened in the early weeks of January.

The decommissioned flumes will be removed and other maintenance will also be carried out at this time to make sure swimmers can use the pool as soon as possible.

Many regular swim classes and groups will be put on hold while maintenance is carried out, which are scheduled to restart on January 6.

Cllr Allison Bucknell, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for communities, leisure and libraries, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause customers however it is essential we undertake this work to ensure the centre remains a safe facility that continues to offer high quality leisure services to Chippenham community.

“We have worked with our partners Places Leisure to minimise disruption and customers will be kept up to date with progress and any changes to the building’s operation by their staff.”

Places Leisure’s area manager Keith Love-Evans commented: “We will be actively working in partnership with Wiltshire Council to ensure that we minimise disruption for our customers whilst these essential works are carried out.

“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank our customers in advance for their patience and we will be in contact directly”

Swimmers who cannot wait for seven weeks to have a dip have been urged to use nearby swimming pools at The Activity Zone, Malmesbury, The Blue Pool, Melksham, Lime Kiln Leisure Centre, Royal Wootton Bassett and Bradford on Avon Swimming Pool.

Any customers requiring further information should contact The Olympiad Leisure Centre by emailing enquiries@olympiadleisurecentre.co.uk.