A woman is seeking assurances from Newport Swimming Pool after two workmen caused a poolside light to smoke resulting in the pool being evacuated.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said the workmen walked in unannounced at a recent Aquafit class to change a lightbulb, only to cause the fitting to smoke and created an unpleasant smell.
“All the electric and lights were on and if anything had gone in the water it could have been fatal,” said the woman.
“There were about 16 women in the water and two men came in with ladders and started to work on a light fitting by the side of the pool.
“We were not told what was going on or what they were trying to do.
“It was only about a metre or so from the pool and smoke started to come out of it and the smell was terrible.
“The teacher didn’t seem sure about what was happening either and she told us to get out of the pool.
“The manager then came out and some people started to say it was a disgrace to him but we were not given any re-assurance about what had happened and if it was under control.
“We were all very frustrated because it disrupted our class. This happened last month and we are still not sure about what happened because nobody has taken any responsibility.”
Dave Morgan, a spokesman for Telford &?Wrekin Council, who run Newport Swimming Pool said there was no danger to the public or staff.
He said: “A bulb was changed away from the pool.
“This was well away from the Aquafit activity.
“The electrician used his hat to remove the hot bulb and part of his hat had melted to the bulb causing the smoke.
“The electrician had not turned off the lights before he tried to remove the bulb.
“Due to the smoke the instructor got the ladies out of the session, they were given refunds and the customers were apologised to at the time.
“When contractors come on site we rely on them being competent.”