AIREBOROUGH Leisure Centre’s swimming pool is set to remain closed until April next year.

A further delay of several months has been announced for the £1.2 million revamp which has been beset by problems.

A spending package was agreed in November 2016 for work on the leisure centre, including a major facelift for its swimming pool and facilities.

But the completion date was set back to the late autumn of this year after “unforeseeable issues” including the widespread use of asbestos.

Now that date has been set back again, causing frustration and disappointment for swimmers who are forced to travel to Otley, Holt Park or Kirkstall.

A message on Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds website thanks people for their patience and says: “We had a number of delays on the project as our contractors dealt with issues with the building which were only possible to identify once work had started on site, including the extensive use of asbestos in some unexpected areas, roof leaks, tiling and pool plant issues. All of this had to be dealt with slowly and carefully in accordance with Health and Safety regulations; to ensure the best finishes where possible.

“The demolition of the previous male and female changing rooms, construction of the changing village and community hubs is now complete and fitting out works have commenced. The main focus has been on the pool plant room and the large windows have been replaced with solar efficient glass. The pool is now ready for tiling and we are currently working on the roof to make the building watertight before completing the community hub and changing rooms.

“We are working to re-open the facility as soon as possible and we estimate re-opening in April 2019. We will keep you updated on progress and advise a firm opening date as soon as possible.”

One swimmer, Peter Cartwright, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, started going to the leisure centre just before alterations began.

He said: “My membership is due again in January and the pool will have been closed off for nearly two years. I imagine a lot of people pay their membership and can’t use it.”

“It is getting to the point where it is a bit of a laughing stock now.”

He added: “I just hope that it’s worth it when it reopens. I know other people who have stopped taking their kids for swimming lessons because they had to go to Kirkstall and it’s a nightmare to get there with rush hour traffic.”

Earlier this year the area’s MP Stuart Andrew described the news of a delay until late autumn as “frustrating and disappointing.”

This week he said local people were raising the issue with him.

“They are very frustrated and so I contacted the council who informed me that the extent of asbestos on the site had caused significant delays,” he said.

Both pools and changing rooms are closed as the work is carried out but the rest of the building will stay open as normal.

The lesiure centre improvement scheme is being funded by Sport England and Leeds City Council. Full details are available at https://active.leeds.gov.uk/findacentre/aireboroughleisurecentre/aireborough-leisure-centre-development.