FRUSTRATED swimmers are still waiting to dive back into a north Lancashire pool because of elusive leaks.

Hornby's village pool was due to have a grand reopening three months ago after being taken over by community volunteers. However, the event has been delayed twice because of difficulties in detecting the source of leaks at the 41-year-old pool.

The Lune Valley Community Society, which now runs the Melling Road building, called in a new team of experts at the weekend in a bid to hasten the reopening.

The society's Roger Carter said "extensive testing" had identified two main problems - stress hole fractures and pinhole leakages.

He told the Gazette that the Stoke-based specialists would be writing a report, including costs for remedial work. "It is anticipated this work, once approved, could be completed within two weeks," he added.

Bob McGachie, society chairman, said: "Over the past three months since taking over Hornby pool from Lancashire County Council, we have worked tirelessly to give the pool new and improved facilities and a more colourful and welcoming ambiance. The one ingredient missing has been water in the pool."

He said the "inherited" leaks had proven "more elusive than we could ever have imagined".

The society had worked with contractors appointed by the county council when the pool was mothballed in April 2017, he said, but they had been "unable to make progress" in tracking down the leaks.

Mr McGachie added: "We are grateful for all the community support and understanding we are getting during this period of severe frustration for us all."

Volunteers have spent many hours getting the 15-metre pool "shipshape and Bristol fashion" ready for its two planned reopenings, which had to be postponed - April 9 and May 8.

For more, visit Facebook @ Lunevalleyswimmingpool or email lunevalleycs@gmail.com.