ROMSEY Rapids could be closing for up to 15 weeks later this year as it undergoes a major refurbishment.

The pool will be shut between November and into the early part of 2019 as revamp plans follow dilapidation works that civic bosses say is desperately needed.

The facility, which saw its gym benefit from an upgrade worth hundreds of thousands of pounds in the last year, will close the pool and changing rooms for the works.

Though no cost has yet been decided for the project, it is believed that bosses have set out a timescale for 15 weeks as a maximum to close the 'wet side' of the facility.

The complex will see its gym and studios remain open throughout the project.

Speaking at a Test Valley Borough Council meeting, community and leisure portfolio holder cllr Tony Ward said: "We have got dilapidation work to do that definitely will need the closure of the pool.

"There is quite a lot of work in the changing village to do, and also we have got some work to do in the health suite.

"We have got some significant improvements to do as well.

"It will be shut November to January so the pool can be open for the two half-terms. November to January is the quietest time for swimming by far and the best time to close for work."

Specific dates are yet to be decided, and The Advertiser understands a maximum time limit of 15 weeks has been decided upon.

The refurbishment news comes as leisure spending increases after the latest council report.

Romsey Rapids is run by Places for People Leisure, and Test Valley contract manager Danny Churcher said they wanted to do both the repairs and subsequent upgrade in one closure to minimise disruption.

He said: "We don't know too much at the moment and hopefully soon we will be able to give that detail. It should be fantastic news for those who use the complex, but of course there will be some disruption unfortunately.

"If we spread it out across two closures, it would be even worse, so we would like to do it in one. At the moment, I don't know the cost."

Councillor Celia Dowden, who raised the potential closure at the council meeting, said it was important that residents in the south of the borough continued to benefit from a high standard of facilities.

Cllr Dowden said: "Romsey Rapids is loved by all and rightly so, but the pool does seemingly need some work. What needs to be done now is offer those a concession to travel to the alternatives, which seem to be Totton or Eastleigh."