A lifeguard at Putney Leisure Centre was injured after a piece of the ceiling fell and hit him on the head.

The injured staff member, who does not want to be named, said: "I was at poolside at about 8.30pm on Friday when something fell from the ceiling and cut my head open."

Although he was not badly hurt, he said he was still in pain and off work.

Repairs were carried out on Monday to make sure the roof was safe, but people were still allowed to swim despite scaffolding being set up on the pool edge.

Another member of staff said he thought the pool should have been closed while repairs were undertaken.

He added: "Workmen with hard hats started building scaffolding on Monday while people were in the pool."

A spokesman from GMB said the union was concerned that the public were using the facility while it was it was "being shored up".

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said: "We are investigating the cause of this incident but can reassure users that at no time were members of the public at risk.

"The ceiling has been thoroughly inspected and is completely safe. People need have no safety concerns about using the pool.

"After a small piece of plaster fell from the ceiling, a lifeguard was taken to hospital as a precaution and received treatment for a minor head wound.

"As soon as the incident happened the pool was cleared and the area was cordoned off."

July 12, 2002 10:00