Cost of ‘irresponsible’ bottle smash closure still unknown

Matlock and District Swimming Club hired facilities at the leisure centre for a swimming gala on July 13.

But during the event, one swimming club official ignored the rules by bringing a glass bottle of wine by the poolside. He then dropped the bottle, causing it to shatter.

Both pools were closed by Arc Leisure staff as a result. The teaching pool reopened on July 16 but the main pooldid not open until July 18.

A district council spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that the main pool had to close because of one irresponsible Swimming Club official.

“Our facilities are hired out in a manner where the there is a level of expectancy and responsibility required from the hirer; unfortunately on this occasion, this hasn’t been taken seriously enough”.

The Council said it could not provide a figure of how much the facility lost as a result of the closure. Nor could officials say if the authority would seek compensation.

A Matlock and District Swimming Club spokesperson said: “We are extremely embarrassed by this irresponsible official, who has now stepped down, and send sincere apologies to the council and all the people who have missed out on using the facility.”