FORE Street swimming pool in Ipswich is to close for 12 weeks from Monday for a half-million pound makeover.

FORE Street swimming pool in Ipswich is to close for 12 weeks from Monday for a half-million pound makeover.

Fore Street is 114 years-old �- the second oldest operating pool in the country - and is used by schools, clubs and members of the public.

The comprehensive project will cost �479,000 and will include re-roofing and guttering, full internal and external decorating, new floors in the changing rooms, new lighting and vending facilities, pool surround tiling and the installation of a new air handling and heat pump system to improve conditions for customers.

The work will be carried out by ISG Jackson.

During the closure, the borough hopes to accommodate customers at Crown Pools.

Judy Terry, the borough's Leisure spokeswoman, said: “We are committed to making Ipswich a premier sports town and we are spending �4 million on upgrading our swimming facilities.

“While we regret the inconvenience caused to customers we are accommodating their needs where possible at Crown Pools and we are sure they will welcome the fantastic improvements.

“Next year we will begin comprehensive improvements at Crown Pools and this shows our commitment to sports provision in general and swimming in particular.”

Stuart Talbot, divisional director for ISG Jackson Special Projects, said: "The Fore Street Pool is an iconic building within Ipswich and this programme of refurbishment and modernisation will enable the facility to continue to provide an important service to the local community.”

Another �3.5 million will bring Crown Pools up to date next year with new changing rooms, reception area, better pool plant and other facilities.