St James' Swimming Pool in King's Lynn will be closed for 10 days next month so new air conditioning can be fitted.

The unit, which has been funded by independent social enterprise company Salix and West Norfolk council, is expected to reduce gas carbon emissions by 20pc and save an estimated �15,000 annually on energy bills.

The work is expected to take five weeks but the pool will only need to be closed from July 14-24.

The first stage of works will involve the removal of the existing air conditioning system, which was installed when the pool first opened in 1974, and the preparation of the plant room, where asbestos will need to be removed.

During this time the pool area will be closed to the public and the fitness room will operate reduced hours from 7am – 6 pm.

There will be no evening aerobics classes during this time.

When this first stage of works is complete the pool will re-open and the fitness suite and classes will operate as usual.

David Pope, West Norfolk's cabinet member for leisure, said: 'We've tried to minimise disruption and thank customers in advance for their patience.

'The works have been planned for the summer months as this allows us to make use of natural ventilation whilst the installation is being completed, and has meant that the closure period can be kept to a minimum.'