IMPROVEMENTS are being made to the changing rooms at a Clevedon swimming pool following pressure from local councillors and users of the facility.

DC Leisure, which runs Strode Leisure Centre on behalf of North Somerset Council, has implemented extra hours for staff to carry out more rigorous cleaning in the ladies wet changing rooms in the mornings and late afternoon.

The showers and surrounding tiling will be replaced in time for Easter and plastic overshoes are also now available for people to wear in both the male and female facilities.

In November, the times reported how users of the changing rooms had taken photos of drains filled with hair, corroding pipes and walls with tiles missing.

During a Clevedon Town Council meeting that month, Cllr Jane Geldart showed them to members, who voted to write to North Somerset Council to demand improvements be made at the Strode Way facility.

At the time a spokesman for North Somerset Council said the changing rooms were more than 15 years old and could do with a makeover but the cost of a full refurbishment would total about £350,000, which it could not afford.

The measures DC Leisure is now putting in place were revealed following a recent meeting between Cllr Geldart, users of the centre, including Clevedon mum Heather Read, and representatives of the company.

Cllr Geldart said: “The meeting was productive and they assured us that things were being put into place in order that the centre is at the appropriate level of cleanliness.

“Let’s hope this is the start of a new beginning.

“It just goes to show that people shouldn’t put up with sub-standard service from organisations, especially ones they contribute to via their taxes and admission fees. If you are not happy, tell them.”

Heather said: “People now need to show they are willing to use the shoes and keep it clean.

“The ideal solution would be to remodel the changing rooms, like they have at Parish Wharf in Portishead, but it seems DC Leisure is doing what they can at the moment.”

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “DC Leisure is currently focusing on the ladies’ changing room primarily as they are used by lots of mums and children who use the pool for swimming lessons.

“When that is done it is probable they will then look at the men’s.”