Plans have been agreed to provide cover during the closure of the £17m DG One leisure centre as repairs are carried out.

According to the BBC, the proposals include the construction of a temporary swimming pool.

The facility in Dumfries is due to shut for four months next year, while its swimming pool will remain closed for a further 15 months after. A temporary swimming pool will now be located in the car park at the town's Ice Bowl.

The local authority has also agreed to reopen the Loreburn Hall – at a cost of £500,000 – in order to provide fitness suite facilities for residents throughout the closure.

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The centre opened five years ago, but has been hit by a number of expensive repair costs ever since. Earlier this year, it was revealed the building would have to close for a lengthy period so remedial works could be carried out. The Council is issuing court proceedings to recover the costs of repairing the centre.

Council Leader Ivor Hyslop is quoted by the BBC as saying: "By providing alternative swimming and fitness arrangements in Dumfries, we are guaranteeing continued access to leisure facilities for our local communities.

"The people of Dumfries have a great sense of pride with regards to the Loreburn Hall.

"Our decision to inject half a million pounds of investment to bring the hall back to life will seek to deal with part of the problem which arises from the closure of DG One.

"It is a positive solution in a difficult situation."

(JP/MH)