SWIMMERS could be left high and dry for five months while work is carried out at a popular pool, write Phil Clee and Mark Templeton.

The roof and air handling unit are being replaced at the Ferry Sports Centre pool in Summertown, Oxford, at a cost of £750,000.

Oxford City Council has budgeted for a loss of income estimated at between £13,000 and £15,000 a week during the closure.

But while Mark Bowler, the council's leisure facilities manager, admitted the loss would be "significant", he said it was hoped a large proportion of swimmers could be accommodated at other pools. Other services at the centre, such as the sports hall, four-court badminton hall, and squash courts, will not be affected by the work, which starts on March 26.

Story date: Thursday 24 February

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