Another swimming pool used by Reading residents has been shut, in a blow to campaigners calling for better facilities across the town.

Mystery surrounds a move by Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, in Emmer Green, to close their doors to the public until “further notice” whilst keeping it open to students and members.

When approached for a comment by The Reading Chronicle a school spokesman refused to comment on why the closure was in place and how long it would be shut.

The closure at the Surley Row site comes at a time when numerous swimming pools in Reading have been forced to close, reducing the available facilities open to the public.

Arthur Hill and Central Pool both closed in 2016 with the council explaining the sites were “ageing and expensive to run”.

The subsequent sale of the historic Arthur Hill pool caused controversy with campaigners who called for the site to be kept for community use.

The Arthur Hill Campaign demanded that the council reveal full details of the sale to understand why they instead chose to sell the pool to a property developer.

After a lengthy Freedom of Information (FOI) battle, these details have been revealed.

They show that the council agreed to sell the pool for £1.15 million to develop housing, despite there being higher offers and bids to retain the pool.