SWIMMERS and sports clubs in Trowbridge have been forced to find a new home until the summer, as the swimming pool at the Sports Centre remains closed.

The centre in Frome Road, Trowbridge, shut suddenly on December 23 after structural examinations exposed the need for ‘urgent remedial works’.

It is understood there is confusion about whether children already having swimming lessons will automatically get these back when the pool re-opens as planned this summer.

Parents fear that places may not be available, and worry about having to re-enrol children in a programme which is usually difficult to get into, even at entry level, because of demand.

Operators Places Leisure has written to parents who pay for their child’s swimming lessons by direct debit that these will be suspended and no payments will be taken while the pool remains closed. The letter makes no reference to places being kept for children once the pool re-opens.

Swimmers are being encouraged to go to nearby pools in Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Warminster and Westbury and Chippenham.

Places Leisure has provided Premium, Places, swim-only and swimming lesson members with weblinks for users to find out more about what’s available elsewhere, including timetables and opening hours and locations.

In a letter to parents James Dennison, from Places Leisure, said: “During the closure, as a Swim or Premium member, you are still able to use our other local leisure centre facilities.

“Simply take your membership card with you when you visit. You can book classes as normal online.”

Swimming lesson members have been told they can swim for free or, if they wish, suspend their membership free of charge.