WORCESTER Swimming Pool was forced to close for two hours due to a lack of staff — on one of the hottest days of the year.

A spokesperson for the pool, in Sansome Walk, said: "We can confirm that Worcester Swimming Pool’s main pool was closed to the general public on Tuesday between 4pm and 6pm. This was down to unforeseen circumstances regarding staffing numbers for poolside.

"We are fully aware of the issue and the necessity to keep the pool open to members of the public at advertised times and we are currently in the process of recruiting for new lifeguards.

"We would like to apologise to any member of the public that was inconvenienced due to this issue and reassure people that this situation is now being addressed as a matter of urgency.”

The pool reopened fully yesterday.