POOL classes have been cancelled at popular leisure centre after failed equipment resulted in problems heating the water.

Groups that planned to use Rivermead Leisure Centre’s pool for classes last Tuesday were left disappointed after learning staff closed the pool following complaints over the water being “icy cold”.

Among the list of complainants was full-time mum Sharon Perry who takes her three-year-old son Aston to the centre’s Tots Water World class every Tuesday morning.

She said: “It was just really disappointing and also a bit embarrassing really, as we had all our stuff with us and it really got our hopes up.

“We’ve been coming to the classes together for months now and it’s always something he looks forward to – he loves a good splash around and it’s a great way for him to make some little friends too.”

Classes were cancelled last Tuesday but the Caversham resident has claimed the pool was cold throughout the rest of the week.

The 35-year-old said: “I came in by myself on Friday and the water was icy cold. I asked a member of staff if the heating issues were being resolved and they just said it was ongoing.

“I did think it was a bit weird how the pool was so empty. It shouldn’t take this long to get the heating machine fixed.”

In March, the Richfield Avenue centre’s damaged flume was removed after £500,000 was quoted for its repair and in the same month Reading Borough Council approved a £1.15million revamp which included a full refurbishment of the pool’s changing rooms and the instalment of interactive water play features for children.

A spokesman from Greenwich Leisure Limited, who manages the centre in partnership with Reading Borough Council, said: “Swimming activities at Rivermead Leisure Centre were disrupted on July 21 due to problems with the pool heating system.

“Throughout the rest of the week swimming activities took place as normal with no cancellations.”

He added: “Pool temperatures have been slightly lower during the past few days because the centre is operating with temporary boilers while a £480,000 boiler upgrade and replacement is taking place.”