REGULARS at a Borders leisure centre have been left in cold water due to a faulty boiler.

The swimming pool at Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick has been closed for public use as a result of plummeting temperatures.

Additionally, no hot water for showers is available after the boiler system was shut down.

The venue’s café and soft play have also closed although gym and fitness sessions continue.

Engineers arrived at the centre on Monday morning (September 11) to commence initial mechanical repair works.

A spokesperson for Live Borders, which operates the facility, thanked members of the public for their “understanding and support” and directed people to Selkirk Leisure Centre, where additional sessions have been put on.

Emergency powers were used by Scottish Borders Council bosses this summer for a £329,000 bail-out to replace the heating and air handling systems at the Live Borders-operated Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles and the public pool at Eyemouth Leisure Centre. The facilities faced closure if the bail-outs had not been forthcoming.

A spokesperson for Live Borders, speaking on Saturday, said: "We regret to advise that the boiler system at Teviotdale Leisure Centre has been shut down, and that from today there will be no hot water for showers, and that the pool temperature will begin to fall to a level that is not usable for swimmers. The pool will therefore need to close beginning Saturday, September 9.

“All gym and fitness classes will continue as normal, but without the option of showers after the work outs or classes. We regret that soft play and the café will also have to close, but all other activities will operate as normal. We are contacting all our members and users to advise of alternative arrangements.

“Engineers are currently making a comprehensive assessment of the boiler system and the electrical works across the centre. We are working closely with Scottish Borders Council, and we will update you when we have more actionable information on time-scales and works required.

“Many of the council-owned facilities we operate out of are requiring significant investment or replacement if they are to continue to operate. While the 40-year-old boiler system cleared its regular six-month service in April, the ageing property estate is becoming increasingly costly to maintain and is affecting service delivery and finances and is one of a number of drivers for the ongoing joint review of sport, leisure and cultural services and facilities being undertaken by the council and Live Borders.

“Once again, we are very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and support as we move forwards. We are working hard to reinstate services to normal as quickly as we can. We will update users and members regularly on progress and arrangements.”