THE swimming pool at Dudley Leisure Centre is to be closed for eight weeks from next week as part of a £250,000 improvement project.

From Monday November 19 the pool and changing rooms will be shut to the public as new air handling units are installed to replace the current outdated system.

The facilities are expected to reopen on Monday January 7, although the rest of the centre will be open as normal for all other activities.

Councillor Tracy Wood, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “I would like to apologise to the centre’s users for this extended closure due to the installation of the new air handling units. November and December are traditionally the quietest months for the centre which is why we have chosen to carry out this important work now.

“The gym, courts and dome sports pitch will unaffected by the installation work and will still be open to the public.”