A SWIMMING pool has still not re-opened after lockdown with bosses saying the firm is going through a staff restructure - despite taking a £1million council bailout. 

Bosses at Belfairs Swim Centre in Leigh confirmed the site has not re-opened and a “comprehensive restructure” has been undertaken.

It comes after the firm behind the centre Fusion Leisure has been criticised for continuing to take £10 per month from members throughout the pandemic and then relying on a £1million council bailout to keep going.

Two tranches of aid had been given to the firm, with £400,000 in July and £600,000 in August.

Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre opened thanks to the council support, alongside partial re-openings at Chase Sports and Fitness Centre and Shoebury Leisure Centre for school use.

The company has confirmed “changes to staffing levels and ways of working” are being examined.

A spokesman for Fusion Lifestyle said: “The entire leisure industry has been drastically impacted by Covid-19.  It has impacted on participation in leisure, both during and after lockdown, and on commercial performance. Where we have been able to re-open we are operating with new restrictions that limit our capacities and therefore footfall.  Our industry body, UK Active forecasts that footfall across the entire industry will be reduced by 30-40 per cent for up to 12 months.

“With little support from central Government, we, like other operators, have undertaken a comprehensive restructure to allow us to continue to operate and keep the business sustainable, we need to make changes to staffing levels. 

“We can confirm we have followed recommended best practice throughout this process.  “We continue to work closely with the council to re-open Belfairs Swim Centre.”