AQUASPLASH in Minehead looks set to close permanently after a report claimed it would be too costly to repair.

The swimming pool has been closed since October 15 because of a major leak and on December 5, cash-strapped West Somerset Council will consider a report recommending it should not reopen.

The council, which is also facing a revenue overspend running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, estimates it would cost between £5,000-15,000 to repair the pool.

The report says: "It is known with some certainty that there will be a substantial overall overspend on the revenue account this year.

"This, coupled with overspends on the revenue account in previous years and the potential for Aquasplash to be a continual draw on the council's financial resources, has necessitated a recommendation that in order to improve the capacity to set a balanced budget the facility is closed permanently."

For more on this story, read tomorrow's (Thursday's) County Gazette.

Would Aquasplash closing be a disaster for Minehead? Tell us what you think using the comment form below.