A COMMUNITY swimming pool closed after roof defects were uncovered could remain shut for years, a new report has revealed.

East Lothian Council officers have recommended £4.4million of repairs are carried out at the Loch Centre, Tranent, after the pool area was shut and other problems with the building identified.

However, a report to councillors has revealed there is no money to do the work either this year or “in future years”.

READ MORE: The Brunton, Loch Centre and Preston Lodge 'will not be lost'

The report, lodged in the council’s members' library, also reveals officers did consider mothballing the swimming pool and focussing on repairs required across the centre for the reduced price of just under £3million.

But in the end, they decided to recommend bringing the swimming pool back into use but only “when funding is achievable in view of the current financial position, capital plan and condition of the asset”.

The Loch Centre was built in 1970 and problems with the roof over the pool were discovered during a routine inspection in January leading to its closure.

READ MORE: Tranent: ‘Long-term solution’ sought for Loch Centre

It is not connected to the current issues at Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans, and The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, which have faced partial closures because of the discovery of aerated concrete RAAC in its construction.

The report to councillors says of the Loch Centre repairs: “There are insufficient funds within the property renewals budget for 2023/24 or forthcoming years to finance any of the options in the appraisal.

“The Loch Centre is currently outwith the existing capital plan and additional capital funding shall be required for any of the options selected.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “Whilst we do not currently have the capital to repair, work will continue to see how this can be addressed through future capital plans, grants and partner assistance.”