A POOL in Witney will remain closed until the end of the month following reports of itching and rashes from swimmers.

Six users of the small pool at Windrush Leisure Centre, in Witan Way, reported possible contamination after experiencing such skin problems.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, contacted the Witney Gazette to say the incident had cause a great deal of concern among parents whose children use the pool.

Responding to the concerns, West Oxfordshire District Council has been working with Public Health England and its leisure contractor GLL Better to investigate the reports.

Staff at the centre routinely test pool chlorine levels several times a day - but took extra samples following the complaints.

These were analysed by GLL and independent specialists.

All confirmed that the chlorine levels in the pool were normal.

However, as a precautionary measure, the small pool was drained completely by an independent specialist contractor and is in the process of being refilled.

It will then be chemically and microbiologically tested by another independent specialist contractor.

Subject to council approval following the additional testing, the pool will be re-opened by Saturday, March 31.

Anybody who has any concerns after swimming in the pool please call the council’s environmental health team on 01993 861000.