County council and Northampton school at loggerheads over shut swimming pool

In a Facebook post on September 29 The Duston Swimming Pool said: "Unfortunately, we have been informed that the pool will remain closed until at least the end of October - sorry all."

In response parent Lucy Fletcher said on social media: "Is there anything we can do to help? As a parent of a child at the school, if the problem is financial, couldn't we all pitch in to help?

"Swimming is the only school sport my son enjoys and he's missing out on it."

Kerrie Fonge added on Facebook: "I agree with Lucy, it would be really helpful to know what needs to be done to resolve the issue."

The swimming pool has been shut since July 6 and Northampton Swimming Club have moved their lessons elsewhere.

In a letter sent to parents on September 6, director of swimming Jacquie Marshall said: "We have just been informed that Duston Pool is unlikely to be opening in the forseeable future, forcing us to rework our pool schedule without the use of this facility."

Headteacher at The Duston School Sam Strickland told the Chronicle & Echo: "Currently the swimming pool is closed and will be for the foreseeable future.

"We have requested several times for a meeting with the PFI strategic Estates Manager at NCC to discuss an ongoing issue with the flooring and are awaiting a response."

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire County Council said as the school is an academy the pool is their responsibility.