A major 'flip-turn' has been forced by councillors on a decision to close Newry swimming pool in the run up to Christmas.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council had confirmed last month that work was due to be carried out on the pool floor requiring a six to eight-week closure of the facility.
The remedial work and inspection of loose tiles on the floor was due to take place in a matter of days with the pool being closed into the New Year.
Read more: Newry and Down Council plans for 'warm banks' as 'Dickensian' winter approaches.
However, members previously voiced their outrage to the local authority in chambers, when they discovered they had not been informed directly of the closure, but instead heard from the public.
The maintenance and closure decision had been taken by council officers without a debate.
At Monday night's active and healthy committee, councillors demonstrated their will to reject the potential closure during a confidential session.
Committee chairman, Hugh Gallagher (SDLP) provided the outcome following the meeting. He said: "A proposal not to close Newry swimming pool in 2022 was agreed.
"An investigative report in to how future work can be carried out with minimal interruption to the swimming pool will be made and on how future decisions on closures can be made.
"The timeframe for the reports has yet to be made with no proposed date or timetable for the essential works to be carried out at the pool."
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