HUNDREDS of Yate residents splashed out on a swim last weekend, at the relaunch of the town’s pools.

Saturday saw the reopening of both the 25 metre main pool and the small pool at Yate Active Lifestyle Centre, following a seven-month, £1.4million major refurbishment.

There were 386 customers who came through the turnstiles on Saturday and Sunday to try out the modernised facilities.

An official relaunch took place at 10am, with partners, staff and contractors involved in the project gathering to watch Cllr Ian Blair, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, cut the ribbon.

Funded by South Gloucestershire Council, the maintenance and refurbishment work included replacing the pool’s pipework and installing environmentally friendly equipment.

To ensure that there was no loss of service, a temporary swimming pool was installed to the rear of the Kennedy Way car park, complete with Hawaiian themed décor.

Proving popular with customers throughout the summer season, the temporary facility, considered the largest of its kind, will now be dismantled over the coming weeks.

Mark Crutchley, chief executive of Circadian Trust, which manages and operates the Yate centre, said: “This has been a major project that has taken us only seven months to complete. We’re committed to offering the best facilities to our customers and this work will ensure that we continue to do so.

“When people come to use the pool, I think that they’ll realise that it was well worth the wait.”

Cllr Ian Blair, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I am delighted to open these wonderfully refurbished pool facilities, which are a huge asset for Yate and the surrounding area.

“The £1.4 million investment by the council will mean that generations of swimmers will now be able to enjoy this pool for years to come.”

A free open day is taking place at the leisure centre this coming Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. This is set to include a tour of the building, the opportunity to try out the refurbished facilities and children’s activities.