A revamped leisure centre will welcome visitors back to its main swimming pool on Monday.

When the Stour Centre in Station Approach, Ashford, reopened on June 1 it did so without access to its pools.

The £7.5 million project saw the addition of a soft play area, a new reception area, clip and climb walls and cafe.

The gym was also extended, with a biocircuit room attached to the extension.

Unfortunately faults were found late in the popular swimming pools in the project, requiring them to be completely drained and retiled.

Though the council has announced that the main pool will be open to the public on Monday, the small shallow pool and leisure pool will remain closed for now.

Regardless, the main pool's opening is sure to be a hit among centre users as it is the first time since last July when Ashford Borough Council voted to close the Stour Centre for refurbishment.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director at centre operator Freedom Leisure, said: “We are so pleased to be re-opening the main pool.

"We know that swimming in Ashford has been missed by many, whether you enjoy swimming for fitness or spending leisure time with the family.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back into the water very soon.”

The pool will run a mix of free swimming sessions and special sessions.

Throughout the school holidays younger swimmers will have access to new ‘funsplash sessions’, where floats, balls and small inflatables will be available.

Wednesday and Saturday afternoons will see the return of the Wibit inflatable obstacle course sessions which have proven immensely popular.

The first Wibit session will be Saturday, July 31 from 2pm.

Cllr Matthew Forest, the council's portfolio holder for culture, tourism and leisure, said: "We are very excited to announce the re-opening of the main pool which will greatly enhance the leisure offer at this fabulous newly refurbished facility and it will provide active recreation for everyone in order to support healthy lifestyles."

In a statement, Freedom Leisure added: "The reopening of the main pool will see another milestone completed in the Stour Centre refurbishment project and the multi-million pound investment by Ashford Borough Council.

"Works will continue in the leisure and teaching pool area and although it is too early to confirm a definitive reopening date, it is likely to be later this year before this will be able to reopen."

For more information on signing up for lessons or sessions, click here or call 01233 663503.

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