The swimming pool at the Loch Centre in Tranent could be closed for months, the Courier has been told, as emergency repair work is carried out to the roof of the building.

The pool, along with the rest of the centre, was closed in January for maintenance work to change the pool’s filter media.

During this work, issues were found with the roof of the building and the pool has remained closed while further investigations are carried out by East Lothian Council. The rest of the centre reopened at the start of February.

The closure of the swimming pool has forced Tranent Amateur Swimming Club (TASC) to find a new location for its sessions.

Julia Taylor, head coach at TASC, anticipated being away from the centre for months.

She said: “enjoyleisure told me that they didn’t know for sure how long the centre would be closed as they were waiting on the results of an investigation, but it was likely to be months.

“We’ve been given slots at Musselburgh and we also use Mercat Gait swimming pool for our classes so we’re not losing out, thankfully.

“Sometimes it’s fewer lanes but it is all perfectly manageable for our swimmers and coaches.

“I’m sure most of our swimmers would rather be at the Loch Centre because that’s our home but the club and enjoyleisure have worked together well to find a solution.

“It’s frustrating but there isn’t much that can be done and I think the centre has been accommodating in finding us a new venue.”

The club is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1 and Julia said it would be strange not to be at the Loch Centre when the milestone is reached.

She said: “We’re looking forward to our anniversary. It’s a massive milestone. It is sad it might not be celebrated at the Loch Centre but I’m sure it will still be great.

“We’ve not got any concrete plans yet, but we’re hoping to maybe get some former swimmers at the club along and have a good celebration.”

East Lothian Council said they were unable to put a timescale on when the work would be completed, while enjoyleisure said they could not comment until results of the inspection were produced by the council.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The assessment to determine the proposed remedial works required to the pool roof is being carried out by specialist external contractors.

"When they have finalised their inspection,s this will be included as part of a report which will also advise an approximate timescale for repairs to be carried out.

"We appreciate the current uncertainty around the pool’s availability is disappointing but centre users and swim clubs will be advised on the extent of the closure period when possible."