SWIMMERS expecting to put in a few lengths at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre today were left high and dry after the pool’s cover broke.

One dejected water-wader complained today: ‘It was closed yesterday and it was the same this morning. A lot of people have been turned away.

‘We were offered no alternative except a sauna. We came away pretty disappointed.’

She said the problem stemmed from the pool cover - used to maintain heat while the facility is not used.

She was told by staff that a strut had failed which meant the plastic cover could not be reeled in on its roller mechanism.

A spokeswoman for Teignbridge Council confirmed the cover structure was the cause of the difficulty.

‘The fault needs to be fixed. Contractors are on-site this morning checking the structure,’ she explained.

She revealed that clubs, centre members and the general public were being kept up to date on the council’s social media outlet.

‘We are also phoning those directly affected,’ she added.

The pool would be out of action until further notice.