HOPES are high two Stirling swimming pools can be re-opened on schedule following the discovery of an additional issue.

The main pool at The PEAK closed last year to allow for repairs after problems were identified with the base screed layer in November 2018.

During investigations at the main pool, an issue with the training pool also surfaced.

Examination of the second pool presented a greater technical challenge as it has a movable floor with a specialist diving company called into make assessments after concerns were raised.

Hopes, however, remain high that both pools can re-open by the end of March 2019.

Dialogue is ongoing to establish the exact nature of the problem and to confirm the length of time it will take to carry out additional works.

Andrew Bain, chief executive at operators Active Stirling, said: “We are continuing to work with Stirling Council and the contractor to resolve the issues on The PEAK pool as quickly and as safely as possible so that we can re-open within the next couple of months as planned.

“We would like to thank all our partners in the meantime for helping us secure access to alternative facilities and options to swim across Stirling and Falkirk so that we could continue where possible to provide as many opportunities for our customers to still take part in public swimming, our learn to swim programme and aquacise classes.”