SAFETY concerns prompted the closure of Terang’s public swimming pool almost two weeks early, Corangamite Shire Council has confirmed.
Repairs will be undertaken as soon as possible to have it in shape for next summer.
A seal band covering expansion joints was found to have lifted from the pool base, causing concerns that swimmers may suffer cuts.
“There was a really sharp edge,” shire recreation development officer Jarrod Woff told The Standard yesterday.
“Council will seek quotes for the repair and then look at funding options.
“Apart from that, structurally the pool is good.”
Problems became evident on Thursday last week and a follow-up inspection on Saturday revealed how extensive they were.
Mr Woff said the decision was prompted by risk of injury and the possibility that further maintenance to rectify the problem may result in extra damage.
“A follow-up inspection on the Saturday morning showed further three-metre lifting of the seal band and also a three-metre lift of the cross band all the way to the pool edge,” he said.
An on-site meeting this morning at 10.30am is open to the public.
“The situation is unforeseen and out of our control, but we need to be proactive in ensuring the matter does not get worse,” he said.
“Representatives from the council and YMCA will be on-site on Friday to meet interested members of the public to discuss the issue.”
Mr Woff said membership holders were entitled to use other YMCA pools in the shire at Camperdown and Cobden, plus Mortlake pool in Moyne Shire.
The Terang swimming pool was scheduled to close on March 15.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au
