A HISTORIC Glasgow swimming pool which closed soon after a £500,000 upgrade will not re-open until next year.

North Woodside pool, in Braid Square, is the oldest public baths still in use in Britain. It closed in January last year as a result of storm damage.

Around £500,000 was spent fixing the roof, fitting a new filtration system, redecorating, replacing tiling and fitting new showers. However, the pool, which was built in 1882, began to leak as it was being filled up.

Experts discovered the pool tank was cracked resulting in "excessive" leaking.

Glasgow Life say investigative work has taken a significant amount of time because of the age of the building and said the problems, "were completely outwith our control."

Fears were raised that the pool might not re-open because of the cost of repairs.

However a spokesman for Glasgow Life said it was focused on finding a permanent solution to the problem.

The pool is not expected to open until February or March next year.

A spokesman for Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council carried out extensive investigations with geo technical and structural engineers to identify the full extent of the problems with the pool tank and clarify whether there were any underlying issues with the ground conditions.

"With such a historic building, this process took a substantial length of time as it was extremely important that we were fully informed of the conditions and issues surrounding the pool tank failure. Contractors are now on-site and work is progressing well.

"While we understand that many of our customers may have been disappointed at the length of time these facilities within the centre have been closed we would like to reassure everyone that the problems encountered have been completely outwith our control.

"It has also been imperative that the remedial works were fully specified by the various specialists to ensure that a permanent solution was achieved.

"We anticipate the pool will reopen early next year."

The gym and fitness classes at the Braid Square leisure centre are not affected and remain open.

Glasgow Club has other pools at Springburn, Maryhill, Gorbals and Tollcross.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk