SWIMMERS will have to wait a bit longer before taking a dip in Taunton’s refurbished pool because the work hasn’t been completed on time.

The re-opening of the Station Road facility scheduled for Saturday has been postponed to a date to be fixed “due to unforeseen problems”, owners Taunton Deane Council say.

The contractors were unable to hand the pool back to the council and its partner Tone Leisure as planned on Tuesday following the £1.2million contract “as some work remains outstanding”.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, who holds the authority’s leisure, sports and parks portfolio, said a revised date was being finalised with Tone Leisure and the contractors, Kier.

She added: “This is desperately disappointing news.

“I am sure people will understand that we want to ensure the pool is properly completed before it is handed over.

“Some unforeseen issues were identified over the Easter break and the contractors are now working to put those issues right.

“This is a major project so we want to be absolutely satisfied that it is completed before taking on responsibility for the pool.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the swimmers who have been so patient while the work has been going on and I am sure they will be pleased with the result when we can open the doors again.”

The pool, which was been closed for six months for the first overhaul since it opened 40 years ago, will be officially re-opened by Olympic swimmer Mark Foster on June 1.