COUNCIL leisure chiefs have closed the 25-metre swimming pool at Stourbridge's Crystal Leisure Centre while heating maintenance works are carried out.

The pool will be out of action over the school half-term holidays and is expected to re-open on Monday November 2.

The works are part of a £600,000 scheme to replace the outdated heating system at the Bell Street facility with a greener and more environmentally-friendly one.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, said: "We are working towards creating a cleaner, greener borough and being more energy efficient in our facilities is an important part of this.

"Crystal Leisure Centre has had its current heating system for over 20 years and we are confident this new system will have a positive impact on the environment and will reduce some of our operational costs.

"Unfortunately there will be some impact on services while the work is ongoing, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The leisure pool at The Crystal has been shut since March following guidance from Swim England against opening the wave machine, rapids and slides due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dudley and Halesowen leisure centres swimming pools remain open.