Swimmers are set to return to Johnstone’s pool as repairs are finally completed after almost 17 months.

The pool at Johnstone Community Sports Hub, in Beith Road, has been closed since March last year due to tiling issues.

Repairs at the venue, next to Johnstone High School, should not have taken so long but the Covid pandemic caused delays with contractors.

Renfrewshire Leisure has now confirmed the work is being completed and the pool should reopen in the coming weeks.

An official reopening date has not yet been announced but leisure bosses have said it will be finalised shortly.

Mark Tokeley, head of leisure and community services at Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “We know how valued Johnstone pool is and appreciate the patience of people while we have worked with the council to secure a contractor and complete the repair works.

“Our team is very much looking forward to welcoming swimmers back this summer.”

Leisure bosses have said a deep clean is being undertaken to ensure the pool is safe for visitors.

Swimmers have long been frustrated by delays to the reopening after enduring several months of lockdown where access to fitness classes has been extremely limited.

Other pools in Renfrewshire, such as those in Erskine and the Lagoon, in Paisley, welcomed swimmers back just before Christmas and were able to reopen again after being shut for a second time at the end of April.

Renfrew’s Victory Baths, which was closed for a year due to maintenance work, also reopened in April but Johnstone residents were still left without their own facility.

Renfrewshire Council was keen to secure a specialist to carry out the repairs but this proved a struggle as the pandemic hit supply chains and safe working practices.

A contractor was eventually appointed in May.

Councillors Andy Steel and Jacqueline Cameron, who both represent Johnstone South, said residents will be relieved to see the pool back in action.

“The reopening of the pool will be another step back toward normality,” added Councillor Steel.

“We’ve learned to take nothing for granted this last year, so fingers crossed for no more delays but, hopefully, this will work out as planned and folk can start using this community resource again.”

Councillor Cameron said: “I’m delighted to hear the pool is close to reopening. Activities like swimming are important for our health and I know the community will be glad to get back in the pool.”