Pool to close for three months for upgrade work

A swimming pool will be closed for more than three months while improvements "to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability" are carried out.

Work at Deben Leisure Centre in Woodbridge will include the installation of an electric air source heat pump system and a new solar-panelled carport aimed at generating clean, renewable power.

East Suffolk Council said the improvements would ensure "more reliable heating, hot water and long-term operational savings".

The pool and health suite will close between 6 April and 13 July but all other areas of the centre are expected to remain open.

The council is carrying out a decarbonisation project at Deben, Leiston and Waterlane Leisure Centres, as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions.

The project is funded through the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and by the council.

Sarah Whitelock, the council's cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, apologised for any inconvenience, but added: "These improvements are being carried out as part of our commitment to reduce emissions and lower energy use at our leisure centres and will transform this much-loved community leisure centre into a modern, high-quality, sustainable facility for the community today and for future generations."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.