Doubts over reopening Tettenhall Pool in time for summer

Work is yet to begin on repairing Tettenhall Pool leading to fears it may not be ready for its usual summer opening.

There was an outpouring of support in January to keep the pool open in a public consultation.

Residents overwhelmingly chose to have the pool’s pumping system repaired rather than a new outdoor gym.

But four months on and just over eight weeks before its usual opening date in time for the Whit bank holiday the council remains locked in talks with specialist contractors over a timetable of works.

Conservative Tettenhall Regis councillor Jonathan Yardley hit out at the lack of action saying: “The whole consultation was completely pointless, and that’s what has delayed everything.

“Traditionally, the pool opens in time for the Whit bank holiday, and it closes when the children go back to school in September.

“I have been speaking to officers and they say that the contractors can only complete the work by November at the earliest.”

However Environment boss Steve Evans said the authority is set to announce a contractor for the plans and was committed to getting the pool open in time for summer.

At a full council meeting councillor Evans, said: “The work will commence as soon as the contract is signed with a specialist contractor, which will be this month.

"In terms of, whether I anticipate it will open in time for the summer, yes I do.

"British summertime, as councillor Yardley knows, commences from the last weekend in March, to the last weekend in October.

“In terms of whether it will be open for the Whit holiday, that is not in my hands.”

Danielle Taylor, spokeswoman at Wolverhampton Council said: “We are in discussion with a specialist contractor to agree the project plan timetable to ensure the repairs can be completed in time for summer.

"We have a responsibility to ensure the pool complies with health and safety. We will communicate the plans to residents in advance of the summer and confirm when it will be ready.”