A CITY swimming pool could soon be getting a revamp if city councillors approve a ‘much-needed' £15,000 cash injection.

The Worcester Citizens Swimming Bath Association, which runs Lower Wick Swimming Pool needs the money to replace 15-year-old lining and refurbish the floor around the pool.

Various patch repairs had been made by contractors Poolcare Leisure but following a survey it now says the pool lining needs completely replacing in the next 12 to 18 months.

The total cost of the works – including loss of income for the six to eight week closure – would be around £141,000 but as the city council cannot compensate for the loss of income, a contribution of up to £15,000 for the repair work has been requested.

The money, if approved by Worcester City Council’s policy and resources committee at a meeting next Tuesday (September 11), would pay for around half of the cost.

The Worcester Citizens Swimming Bath Association has proposed two periods to carry out the work in a bid to minimise disruption to the 17 local schools that use the pool and the 34 hours a week of public swimming sessions that are held.

A breakdown of the cost shows that just under £88,000 would cover the refurbishment.

If the work was carried out throughout June and July next year, it would mean less disruption than closing in the winter but would be £8,000 more expensive.

If the pool closed in June and July next year the estimated loss of income would be £53,453 as opposed to just over £45,000 if the pool closed in November and December.

The committee will have to dip into the council’s £2.184 million City Plan balance - leftover money which has not yet been allocated to specific projects - to fund the refurbishment.

City Plan funds have already been fully allocated for the budget year and capital funding cannot be used as the pool is not owned by the council.

The pool was self-funded until 2012 but around £50,000 of city council money has been required to pay for a number of refurbishments including £10,000 for roof repairs in April 2012, £7,000 for energy-saving insulation in March 2014 and £33,500 for more energy-saving work in January 2015.

The city council's policy and resources committee meets next Tuesday (September 11) at 7pm in the Guildhall. The pubic are welcome to attend.