SWIMMERS will be able to use Taunton Pool, on Station Road, from April 26, six months after it closed for a £1.2million refurbishment.

And Olympic swimmer Mark Foster – who won six world titles, ten Europeans and two Commonwealths - will officially re-open the facility on June 1, with a sparkling programme of events being put together.

The pool will be handed back to owners Taunton Deane Council by contractors Kier on April 22 following its first major overhaul since it opened 40 years ago.

It will boast modern village style changing rooms, a new steam room and new boilers.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, who holds the leisure services portfolio, said: “Both the council and (operators) Tone Leisure are really excited that the pool is to re-open this month. It’s been a massive project – but so well worth doing.

“We will have a fantastic pool that I know will be enjoyed and appreciated by swimmers now and in the future. I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to achieve so much.”