SWIMMERS forced to go elsewhere during the ill-fated Bromsgrove's Dolphin Centre's enforced closure may not return when it re-opens, it was claimed this week.

It was forced to shut down indefinitely 12 days ago after fire destroyed the health suite at the School Drive site, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Some customers who are now travelling to Droitwich Spa and Rubery for a dip say facilities at Bromsgrove are second rate by comparison.

One former regular early morning customer, Church Street cobbler Martin Connellan, went so far to suggested conditions at Bromsgrove constitute a "health hazard."

Among a long list of complaints given to the Advertiser/Messenger by Martin, who now uses a private pool at Rubery, and others are cloudy water, scruffiness, low staff morale and the centre not always opening on time in the mornings.

Mr Connellan said he believed the problem lies not with staff, but higher up the managerial chain.

"I fear customers may not return when it does re-open," he said.

Cllr Terri Matthews (Con, Furlongs) chairman of the council's recreation, tourism and amenities committee, commenting that £750,000 has been earmarked for improvements at the centre, said: "People are entitled to go where they choose. Private clubs are more expensive and we have a duty to provide affordable services to everyone including the unemployed and those on low incomes."

Mr Connellan replied: "Droitwich's pool is new, cheaper and staff morale superb."

Last night Cllr Matthews chaired an emergency meeting to discuss the closure.

In a report, head of leisure services Robbie Hazelhurst said he wanted the centre to stay closed until checks on all equipment and systems had been carried out.

In May and July this year the centre was forced to close because of chlorine leaks.