Another one of Kingston’s swimming pools could be about to close because of an alleged issue with its roof.

The Malden Centre swimming pool in New Malden is due to close temporarily for two weeks over the February half term.

That’s according to Kingston Independent Resident’s Group which is likening issues there to The Kingfisher. 

That site in central Kingston was closed unexpectedly in 2019 because of roof safety fears. 

That pool is now being completely redeveloped and remains closed.  

Closing both pools leaves residents “without a single publicly-owned swimming pool in the entire borough.”

Kingston Independents has launched an urgent petition asking the council to guarantee the Malden Centre pool won’t remain closed. 

A recent report published by Swim England warns that 2,000 swimming pools could close in England over the next 10 years.

A Kingston Council spokesperson said:

"The swimming pool at the Malden Leisure Centre is in need of some planned essential maintenance to the ceiling tiling.

Due to this, the pool will be closed for a short period of up to two and a half weeks after the February half term, from Monday 28 February. The rest of the facility will remain open as usual.

These repairs are planned and routine. Due to the age of the much-loved Malden Centre, maintenance such as this is occasionally required to ensure that the swimming pool is fit for purpose to be enjoyed by our residents for years to come.

More details can be found at www.kingston.gov.uk/malden-centre-update"