Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the closure of a swimming pool while repairs are carried out. We are unlikely to find evidence of fault by the Council.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I refer to here as Mrs B, has complained about the temporary closure of a swimming pool operated on behalf of the Council.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these.
3. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if, for example, we believe it is unlikely we would find fault. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I have considered what Mrs B said in her complaint and background information provided by the Council.

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What I found

5. The Council found the swimming pool is in need of major repairs and cannot be open to the public until these are completed. Unfortunately, this is likely to take several more months because of the need to obtain and commission the equipment needed.

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Final decision

6. I have decided we will not investigate this complaint. This is because, while I appreciate the delay in reopening is frustrating for Mrs B, we are unlikely to find fault by the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman