TWO of Oxford's swimming pools will be closed for most of the weekend so staff can be sent to work at Hinksey Pool.

Peers Sports Centre and Blackbird Leys Swimming Pool have cancelled all public swimming sessions this weekend, although pre-booked lessons and birthday engagements will go ahead.

Oxford City Council said the decision to cancel public swim sessions had been taken to cope with exceptional demand for Hinksey Pool.

A spokesman added the recruitment of more leisure centre staff had been held up because of criminal record checks.