A date for the long-delayed re-opening of the National Sports Centre’s pool hall has been announced.

The main swimming pool and changing room facilities at the centre are now scheduled to open in mid-August.

However, problems with the installation of the new flumes mean they and the leisure pool will remain closed.

A handover from the contractors to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture is expected to take place on August 2.

Necessary training and testing are required after the handover which should last a week before the pool hall reopens.

Replying to a Tynwald question last week from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Graham Cregeen said there had been significant problems with the flume rides.

The department is continuing discussions with the flume manufacturer and installer in order to resolve the matter.

Mr Cregeen said in written reply: ’Significant issues have been encountered with the design, manufacture and installation of the flume rides.

’This is the subject of protracted and continuing dialogue with the specialist contractors involved.

’These issues and resolution thereof are delaying the completion of the leisure pool end of the works.’

The NSC pools closed in August last year for a £4.2 m illion refurbishment.

It had been hoped the pools at the Douglas sports complex would re-open in May.

This was then put back until after the TT but then delayed again, with school pupils told to cross their fingers for a re-start in September.

But Mr Cregeen stressed that the works to the rest of the scheme, including the main pool, changing village and changing rooms, were well advanced.

He said: ’The main pool has been refilled, and the specialist pool floor contractor is due to complete his works this week, for commissioning next.’

Mr Cregeen said at the time: ’I am acutely aware of the need to get the pools operational again as soon as possible.’