YORK'S Yearsley swimming pool, shut after bolts from its roof were found in the water, is set to reopen.

Council safety chiefs closed the pool, in Haley's Terrace, Haxby Road, for emergency work in late June after the bolts were found.

Now, a month later, it has been confirmed as safe and will open at 7am on Thursday.

Keith Orrell, City of York Council executive member for leisure and heritage, welcomed the pool's reopening.

Coun Orrell claimed there had been no delay in reopening, saying he was concerned the pool may have had to stay closed longer.

He said: "If bolts are coming out you think there is something seriously wrong and safety is always our prime priority.

"We are assured the roof structure is safe."

During the closure, staff have carried out general maintenance work to improve the pool's appearance.

Coun Orrell added: "I congratulate staff on carrying out the safety work in such a short timescale."

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, July 29, 2003