BLACKBIRD Leys Swimming Pool may be shut tomorrow because of staffing problems, Oxford City Council has warned.

Long-standing staff shortages meant the council was forced to cancel several sessions at the pool and the pool at Peers Sports Centre last weekend to send employees to Hinksey Pool - which still did not have enough staff to deal with the huge demand.

A council spokesman admitted Blackbird Leys Pool could close, but said two new lifeguards had started work since last weekend.

She added: "We will endeavour to have all sites (swimming pools) open this weekend. We are using our standard cover arrangements to try to prevent a closure."

She said Hinksey Pool would be staffed by two lifeguards this weekend, which she said was sufficient for normal numbers of swimmers at the pool.