USERS of Okehampton Swimming Pool are being advised to write to West Devon Borough Council if they have any concerns about its condition.

The advice from deputy chief executive of the council David Inman follows comments from members of the public about the 'lack of maintenance.'

Mr Inman has promised to investigate the concerns and take them up, if necessary, with the contractors who run the pool on behalf of the borough council.

Inadequate heating, showers that regularly don't work, missing lights, a stained floor and a broken sliding roof are some of the problems highlighted by regular pool user Richard Leonard.

The swimmer said he was aware that money had not been spent on the pool because the town was holding out for a lottery grant to build a new one but some of the maintenance work cost 'peanuts.'

'If they spent a few bob now it would see the pool through — not spending any money in the hope of getting a new one I think is a mistake,' he said.

He praised the staff who remained dedicated to keeping the pool clean, tidy, safe and warm but in its present state their task was 'virtually impossible.'

'The pool provides an essential service to the people in the North part of West Devon and it is also a vital tourist amenity,' he said.

He added that its very existence was due to a great deal of hard work and fundraising efforts put in by local citizens.

'It is time somebody in the Local Authority took on board the clear and unambiguous responsibility for getting this pool up to scratch and making sure it stays like it.'

Mr Inman said the pool was recently inspected and it was the council's duty to make sure the pool complied with health and safety standards.

'We will be carrying out work required in that area but if anyone has concerns about particular items I would ask them to let us know,' he said.

'Clearly we would not wish to spend major funds on a swimming pool that is being replaced but we will endeavour to look at the concerns.'

The council was in charge of the structure but the contractors were responsible for the operation and the component parts, he said.

The authority's first lottery bid for a sports complex and swimming pool was rejected but the town is confident that its second attempt with a smaller scale project will be more successful.

The bid will be submitted in April but it is likely to be two years before a replacement pool is built.