Fears are growing that the reopening of Keswick Leisure Pool will be delayed after this shocking picture emerged which shows the water looking like a “green swamp.”
But leisure centre bosses have pledged it will be put right quickly.
The green layer of algae formed on the surface of the pool during the lockdown.
Better, which runs the centre on behalf of Allerdale council, said the pool had been “switched off” to reduce cost and environmental impact.
A spokeswoman said: “The water was consequently untreated and green algae started to form naturally. We knew this could happen.
“The situation can be reversed quickly with a deep clean, chemical treatments and switching it back on so water circulates.”
The pool and its adjoining gym has been closed since lockdown started on 23rd March.
Barry Harding, of Keswick, took the photograph and said: “It is an absolute disgrace. It just looks like a green swamp. It looks like it has been abandoned.
“We have very few wet weather attractions in Keswick and this is very popular with locals and visitors. I am surprised the operators didn’t keep a pump running. It’s going to take some cleaning now. People in the town fear it may never open again.”
Better has announced that Workington and Cockermouth leisure centres will both reopen on Saturday 25th July in line with the government lifting of restrictions.
