SWIMMERS struggling to push through their final few lengths can find inspiration at a newly-improved pool.

The motivational word wall is one of several fresh additions to White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon, which has reopened its pools after works worth almost £400,000.

Its main pool and teaching pool were shut for ten weeks during the upgrade by owner Vale of White Horse District Council, with swimming lessons moved to Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool before the reopening last Monday.

Council leader Matthew Barber said: “We’re delighted to have the indoor pools open again and look forward to welcoming people back there to enjoy swimming, as well as the other programmes going on around the centre.”

Work included tile replacement, grouting, improving changing areas and a new channel to catch water as it splashes over the sides. There is also more equipment for disabled swimmers.

Ben Whaymand, partnership manager at pool operator GLL, said it was an “exciting time” for staff as the £1.7m extension to the leisure centre gym is set to be completed in December.

Abbey Meadow is set for a £615,000 revamp by the council this year, including a new pool.