The pool will shut permanently in February

Stirling councillors have decided to shut the city's Rainbow Slides, built in 1975, because repair costs were too high.

Metal slats from the facility's roof fell into the water in December as the pool was being used by swimmers. No-one was injured in the incident.

The pool will close for good on 29 February.

A new public pool is due to open at the city's Forthside development in March 2009.

What I find even more regrettable is that a number of Active Stirling staff are now facing redundancy John Hendry

The decision to close the facility has proved controversial as it leaves the city without a public pool for more than a year.

During a council meeting on Thursday, councillors were advised that a number of technical solutions had been considered in order to get the pool open again.

The total estimated cost over the next two financial years to repair the ceiling was put at �541,000, while closing the building permanently would only cost �112,000.

'Possible avenue'

Councillor John Hendry, executive member with responsibility for communities, said: "Rainbow Slides has served the local population well for 33 years and it is disappointing that it has closed under these circumstances.

"However, we are in control of the public purse and accountable for our spending which is why we cannot invest potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds in a building that will close in a matter of months."

The council said 33 jobs would be affected by the closure. Some members of staff could be redeployed although the local authority acknowledged these opportunities were limited.

Mr Hendry added: "What I find even more regrettable is that a number of Active Stirling staff are now facing redundancy.

"Every possible avenue to redeploy these staff both within their own organisation and Stirling Council will be explored."