AFTER a £500,000 upgrade, and being closed for almost a year, the oldest public baths still in use in Britain have sprung a leak.

There is now a question mark hanging over when North Woodside pool will reopen to swimmers.

The historic baths were closed in January after suffering damage to the roof caused by high winds.

While the pool was out of bounds to the public, bosses at Glasgow Life decided to carry out improvement and upgrading work.

Over the past 10 months, around £500,000 has been spent stabilising and fixing the roof, fitting a new pool filtration systems, redecorating and replacing tiling and fitting new showers.

It had been hoped the pool, which was completed in 1882, would reopen to the public in the near future but it began leaking as it was being filled with water.

As a result, the reopening has been delayed until what Glasgow Life described as "major issues" have been identified and repaired.

It is not yet known how long the work will take but it is likely to take some months to complete.

A spokesman said: "At this stage, we are unable to identify the fault and proposals for remedial work.

"We are aware how disappointing this news is for customers and are working hard to complete the repairs as soon as possible.

"We will update customers as soon as we have more information."

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 and Gorbals.

Martin McElroy, Labour councillor for Hillhead, said: "A lot of people are pretty disappointed the pool will have to remain closed.

"However they appreciate the work has to be done and done properly.

"What has happened is really sad but hopefully they are working as fast as they can to make sure it is open as quickly as possible so local people can benefit."

Mr McElroy added: "I don't think we appreciate enough the heritage of Glasgow's public baths.

"Certainly North Woodside is a facility which is used by people of all ages and backgrounds and they will be keen to see it back in use."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk