A POPULAR swimming pool in Basildon has re-opened after being closed for 24 hours after “someone became ill in the pool”.

The Basildon Sporting Village closed their main pool on Tuesday afternoon through until this evening with immediate effect.

At the first the reasoning given on social media was due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

However, bosses have since confirmed it was due to an incident where someone in the pool became unwell.

Due to this all swimming lessons in the main pool were cancelled until last night at 5:30pm.

READ MORE >> Basildon Sporting Village swimming pool closes due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

Shaun Beagle, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We can confirm that the main pool at Basildon Sporting Village closed yesterday (Tuesday 11 October) due to a minor incident where someone became ill in the pool.

“It was an isolated incident where the person was unwell, unrelated to our pool.

“No investigation is being carried out.

“But in the best interests of our customers, the team are working to clean the area ready for it to reopen later today.

“As a result, all main pool activities including swim lessons have been cancelled during this time.

“All teaching pool activities will continue as planned.

“Swimming lessons in the main pool will resume from 5:30pm today and public swimming from 6pm.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and advise members to check our web and Facebook page for updates.”

Andrew Baggot, leader of Basildon Council, said these things sadly happen but it was the correct decision to make sure the pool is safe and fit for purpose.

He said: “Thing is when you have a swimming pool sometimes these unfortunate occurrences happen.

“But quite rightly we want to make sure it is fit for purpose as the last thing anyone wants is for a pool that hasn’t been maintained to then see other people become ill in a more serious nature.

“Even though it may have been disruptive for those who wanted to use the pool, correct action was taken, and it is far better doing this so people can have the confidence of going to that venue knowing it is safe and that things like this are taken seriously.”