Leisure bosses pull the plug on the Waterfront Centre pool

Inverclyde Leisure drained 725,000 gallons of water from the pool over four days as the major refurbishment programme began.

The floor allowed the depth of the pool to be switched to allow for full use for swimming lessons and reach the right depths for divers.

But it is four years ago since it stopped working, and the problem has had a major impact on training for local swimming clubs.

Inverclyde Council has stepped in to fund the refurbishment and the work is finally underway.

Inverclyde Leisure's David McCorkindale said: "It costs a lot of money to run a swimming pool.

"There is a reason why big companies wouldn't open a pool, it costs too much.

"So I would like to thank Inverclyde Council for their commitment and for funding the replacement.

"They also pay our gas and electricity and without that support we wouldn't be able to do what we do.

"At a time of cuts and pools closing all over the UK it says a lot that Inverclyde Council are prepared to invest in the Waterfront.

"We are delighted the work has started and that it is a local firm, WH Kirkwood, who are doing the work.

"We are also getting new lighting as well.

"It was very difficult to source the moveable floor."

Inverclyde Council first agreed to fund the construction work in 2020 but delays have ensued.

It is now hoped the work will be completed by November.

Then the staff will have the job of refilling the pool, which will take at least four days.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, who also sits on the Inverclyde Leisure board, said: "It is great to see the new floor being installed. It will be a huge benefit to people in Inverclyde and all those who use the Waterfront.

"We all know how important the Waterfront and other leisure centres are to Inverclyde.

"We have first class facilities that do great work locally and we are pleased to support them. We have a great partnership with Inverclyde Leisure."