THE opening of Andover’s temporary swimming pool has been delayed again.

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) confirmed today that the temporary swimming pool at Shepherds Spring Lane car park will no longer be opening tomorrow as planned.

The council said the contractor building the temporary pool has told them they were unable to meet the revised completion.

This is the second time the opening of the pool has been postponed, which is meant to bridge the gap in the town’s swimming facilities while a new leisure centre is built.

The new revised opening date for the pool is now set for for three weeks’ time on Friday, 20 October, at noon.

It was originally meant to open in late August.

Total Swimming, which is managing the project, told TVBC on Wednesday that the pool opening would have to be delayed further. 

TVBC leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward said: “Together with Places for People Leisure, we are extremely frustrated by this news and share the disappointment of our residents.”

As previously reported by The Advertiser, the £700,000 project was first delayed due to a “breakdown” in the supply of building materials.

Total Swimming’s managing director Steve Parry said “The delay is extremely frustrating for all parties. 

“Despite the delay we are confident that the public will benefit from a truly world class facility that we are delivering for the council.”

Andover Leisure Centre staff will get in touch with those people who have already made bookings. 

In the meantime, customers are still able to use Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Eastleigh and River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester.

The council and Places for People Leisure will continue to work with these other interim swimming venues to ensure swimming clubs can continue to use those facilities until the temporary pool is opened.

Once the temporary pool opens, it will be available for use until the new Andover Leisure Centre is completed.

To follow the construction process, go to placesforpeopleleisure.org/centres/andover-leisure-centre.