The popular learner pool at Exe Valley Leisure Centre will be closed for two weeks while refurbishment takes place.

From Sunday July 15 to Friday July 27 inclusive, the learner pool will be closed while a new Epoxy liner to the pool is installed. All other facilities at the site will remain open as usual during this time, including the main pool, fitness studio, fitness classes and Elsie May’s Café.

Haley Walker, Assistant Manager at Exe Valley Leisure Centre, said: “We know this is an inconvenience to our learner pool users but these improvements will ensure our facilities remain a high standard for years to come. The main pool will be open as usual and our learner pool at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton will be in use for casual users too, outside of their lesson periods. We have been contacting all those who are due to take part in any lessons or group activities in the learner pool during the closure period and look forward to welcoming them back soon.”

Due to the popularity of the council-run swimming lessons, Mid Devon Leisure is unable to accommodate any more lessons at its sister site at Lords Meadow during the Exe Valley closure period, but any lessons due to take place at Exe Valley during this time will be fully refunded.

The improvement work will see the existing tiled pool replaced with a non-slip Epoxy liner. It marks a significant investment in the facility by Mid Devon District Council and will ensure those using the pool will have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for many years to come.

The learner pool in Exe Valley is a popular facility and is currently used by schools, private swimming lessons, aqua yoga and the Thrive swim group. On average 5,500 people use the learner facility each month.

Once the refurbishment is complete, staff at Mid Devon Leisure are planning a themed opening party suitable for children under eight and their accompanying adult. Details to follow soon!

Councillor Colin Slade, Lowman ward Member and Cabinet Member for Community Well Being, said: “The problem caused by the tile damage in March was most regrettable but we have taken swift action to rectify the problem with a long term solution. I’m sorry that learners will be inconvenienced by the closure, but it is only for a couple of weeks and will be well worth it for the future.”