A SCHOOL pool that was threatened with closure because it is under-used is to be opened to the public during the summer break.

Shildon County Primary School was one of three earmarked by Durham County Council in a consultation process that stemmed from mounting repair and maintenance costs.

But following major protests by residents strongly against the proposed closure, the council agreed to put forward a plan of extending community use for the pool at Shildon, which is the only swimming facility in the town.

Now, Sedgefield Borough Council has teamed up with the school to arrange for the pool to be open during the summer holidays.

Swimming lessons for adults and children will take place every morning during the six week break, as part of the borough council's already successful development scheme.

There will also be aquafit classes every Tuesday morning, from 11.15am to noon. This is recognised as a gentle and highly beneficial way of working towards a healthier lifestyle.

A parent and child swim session will take place every Friday, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, which will be supervised by an instructor. This gives under-fives a chance to gain swimming experience. The entry per child is £1.40, with parents getting in free.

Members of the public hoping to swim in a non-programmes environment can go along to the school during its four weekly general opening sessions.

These run from 11am to 2.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 10am to noon on Sundays.

The council and school hope this will be the first of regular community usage of the pool.

Anybody who would like further information about the use of the school's pool should contact Spennymoor Leisure Centre on (01388) 815827