WORK is under way behind the scenes at Gourock Pool as staff get ready to reopen the iconic facility.

The countdown is on to the big splash on Friday May 7 and staff have been working hard to get the 111-year-old pool ready.

Staff are working hard to ensure swimmers can return safely to the water after the go-ahead was recently given for the pool to re-open after almost five months of lockdown.

It was closed last summer and only able to reopen with a limited lane swimming only capacity right at the end of the season due to coronavirus restrictions.

Jim Lyon, Inverclyde Leisure's operations manager, says that means staff cannot wait to open the doors on schedule this time.

He said: "Staff are currently preparing to welcome everyone back and there is lots of work happening behind the scenes to ensure it is ready and Covid-19 safe.

"We're very lucky to have such a stunning facility in Inverclyde and we're really looking forward to seeing everyone again."

Last year the council splashed out £36,000 to extend the season until the end of October after the iconic facility could not open up until August due to the first lockdown.

Swimmers had to book a one-hour slot in advance and arrive ‘beach ready’, with each lane restricted to 10 swimmers to keep everyone safe.

Bosses are expecting similar restrictions to be in place.

They say they are working closely with national governing bodies to establish how visits will be conducted and will confirm details over the coming weeks.

Stuart Boyle, operations manager, added: "The outdoor swimming season runs from the first Friday in May through to the end of September, however last year we only managed to open for a seven week period, so we're delighted to be reopening in May.

"We hope to be able to open for the full 20 week season and there will be further information published as to how we will be operating."