The former viewing window at the Dollan Baths is to be filled in with concrete.
That’s after late-night crooks targeted the East Kilbride institution, trashing the reception area and smashing a hole in a reinforced viewing window.
That allowed hundreds of gallons of water from the Olympic-sized pool to rip through the building, destroying areas of it and causing mass disruption.
Last week we told you how two teenage boys aged just 14 and 15 had been arrested in connection with the vandalism, with cops still searching for a third.
And the East Kilbride News can exclusively reveal that South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) have taken the decision to do away with the popular viewing window.
A spokesman for leisure trust confirmed the details of the change, saying that SLLC had been in discussion with Historic Environment Scotland about the matter
He added: “It is the intention to remove the glass panelling which was damaged and infill this area with reinforced concrete.
“This will of course mean the glass viewing area will no longer be a feature at the Dollan Aqua Centre.
“Historic Environment Scotland are happy with the course of action proposed.
“Work in the swimming pool has commenced and following completion of these works the pool will need to be refilled, heated and the water treated.
“It is too early to provide an exact completion date at this stage as we are awaiting the delivery of materials.
“The rest of the Dollan Aqua Centre remains open – it is only the pool area that is currently closed.”
Hundreds of hours of classes have now had to be cancelled and moved because of the mindless attack, with council chiefs saying thousands of people have been affected.
Neither of the boys arrested have yet been charged in relation to the matter and are likely to be deferred to the children’s panel should a report be made to the procurator fiscal.
All areas of the building are now open, with the exception of the swimming pool.
The leisure trust spokesman added: “We have frozen swimming lesson membership and relocate lessons where we can.
“Our swimming teachers and lifeguards have been redeployed to other leisure centres in South Lanarkshire, with East Kilbride Swimming Club being relocated to Larkhall temporarily.
“We have had to relocate birthday parties and other pool bookings have been relocated and we will endeavour to contact all customers to keep them up to date through social media and email.”
Customers with other memberships have been given the option to use other centres or have their membership frozen.
