A CITY swimming pool which was forced to close more than two years ago will re-open next month.

North Woodside Pool in Braid Square, the oldest public pool still in regular use in Britain, closed in January 2012 following storm damage to the roof.

Around £500,000 was spent repairing the roof, decorating the pool hall and re-fitting the health suite which included installing a new sauna and steam room.

However, as the pool was being filled prior to the swimming baths re-opening, it was discovered the pool tank had cracked.

Glasgow Life and the city council carried out extensive investigations.

A Glasgow Life spokesman said: "This process took a substantial length of time as it was extremely important we were fully informed of the conditions and issues surrounding the pool tank failure.

"While we understand many of our customers may have been disappointed at the length of time these facilities within the centre have been closed, the problems encountered have been completely outwith our control."

Engineers have now solved the problem and the pool has been repaired at a cost of £320,000, bringing the total cost of the work on the building to £820,000.

The spokesman said: "We are delighted the pool will soon re-open to the public after what has been a complicated repair.

"The work carried out elsewhere in the facility means these historic baths will be a community asset for many years to come."

Hillhead councillor Martin McElroy welcomed the announcement that the pool will re-open in weeks.

He said: "This is good news because there is definitely a need for it.

"I have had a lot of inquiries over the past two years.

"There has been a lot of anticipation about when the pool will open because a number of people relied on it as being part of their routine.

"It is in an ideal location for some of the elderly residents in the area who could not go all the way to the pool at Maryhill.

"It is a well used pool and it is about time the people got it back."

The complex first opened in 1882, and had two pools and 27 private baths. It now has a health suite and gym.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk