HOPES for a swimming pool in Hadleigh are hanging in the balance today as a report is prepared into the pool's future.Structural engineers have drained the pool of water and assessed its tank to determine its long-term viability.

HOPES for a swimming pool in Hadleigh are hanging in the balance today as a report is prepared into the pool's future.

Structural engineers have drained the pool of water and assessed its tank to determine its long-term viability.

If the experts say the tank is structurally sound and will last for at least ten years then more money may be pumped into improving the facility.

However if the report, which is due to be presented to Babergh District Council in early 2008, says the pool will not survive for ten years then more money is unlikely to be spent on it.

Babergh councillors have already voted not to build a new pool in the town, unless new funding becomes available, after the estimated costs for the new-build project spiralled out of control.

To complete the feasibility study the swimming pool in Stonehouse Road was closed at the beginning of last week so all the water could be drained from the pool.

Experts then spent two days conducting a detailed study before refilling the pool with water.

Ryan Jones, head of contract and asset management at Babergh District Council, added: “The engineers contracted by Babergh have been testing the structural soundness of the pool tank by both drilling holes and ultrasound testing”

The pool is now due to reopen on Monday.

Are you worried about the future of Hadleigh Swimming Pool? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.