A SWIMMING pool that closed after its previous community group operator faced financial difficulties has officially reopened.

Hindley Pool, which was shut since September after Wigan Council-linked charitable trust Inspiring healthy Lifestyles took over from Hindley Phoenix is back open.

A recent report released by the local authority revealed £100,000 had been spent on repair works.

Residents were invited to the Borsdane Avenue facility for a free swim to mark the occasion.

One family remains prominent in the history of Hindley Pool.

Inspiring healthy lifestyles’ Ruth Hulme is now the manager of the building and follows in the footsteps of her mum, Eileen Blake.

Ruth takes the reigns almost 50 years after Hindley Pool opened, and since her mum started working there.

Eileen worked as a pool attendant from its opening in 1970 and in 1990 she became duty manager until she retired in 2007.

Ruth’s dad, David Blake also worked for the leisure department as a relief manager and became centre manager of Hindley Leisure Centre and Hindley Pool from 1999 until 2003.

Ruth said: “I feel immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to follow in my parent’s footsteps.

“They were legends of the pool. Half of Hindley still remembers Eileen being the manager."

Hindley Swimming Club has also returned to the site, and a full programme has been in place since last Sunday.

Managing director of Inspiring healthy lifestyles, Peter Burt, added: “We are delighted to have Hindley Pool up and running again following much needed maintenance.

"It has been wonderful to see the community able to take full advantage of its offering and enjoy the free swim day on Saturday.”

Thousands have learnt to swim at Hindley Pool, attended club lessons and had casual swims and school trips there.

Wigan Council leader, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “It is wonderful to see Hindley Pool open and hosting lessons again.

"The pool has been open for nearly 50 years and it is great to see its still an important part of the community.”