A TOWN swimming pool is to get a £50,000 new lease of life.

Atherton Pool is to be brought back into action after an eight-week project to make it serviceable and safe.

The Mayfield Street pool, seen by top councillors as essential for local swimmers, has been out of action since the beginning of January after a structural survey revealed problems with the building and pool tank.

After a top-level meeting of councillors and officers, go-ahead was given for a programme of essential repairs.

"But no decision has been taken about the long-term investment required at the pool," said a council spokesman.

Council leader Peter Smith said the Victorian pool (pictured) was essential for many older users and Atherton Swimming Club and would be re-opened as soon as possible.

"The long-term future of the pool depends on the progress at the Pennington site Xanadu which will create even more water space in the Borough," said Cllr Smith.

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