The Cliffden Hotel in Teignmouth has reopened its swimming pool this week after a lengthy closure and an extensive refurbishment. However, locals will no longer be able to use the facility unless they buy a membership.

Renovations to the 15-metre heated swimming pool include shallowing the deep end, installing new boilers and pumps, re-tiling the entire pool area and installing new changing rooms. ‘We’ve pretty much gutted it and started again,’ said hotel general manager Steven Kingshott.

Operating from 7am until 8pm, the pool opens to hotel guests this week. Locals will be able to use the facility from April 29 as long as they buy a membership costing £450 per year or £45 per month.

Previously, the Cliffden Hotel swimming pool has been used for children’s swimming lessons and community classes. The pool will offer swim aerobics on a Friday morning, the hotel general manager confirmed. But there are currently no plans to offer swimming lessons.