Fault at Kenyan Olympic training pool in Bristol

Engineers are working to fix a technical problem at a Bristol pool where the Kenyan Olympic swimming team has arrived to train.

The mechanism that controls two underwater barriers which divide the 50m pool at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre into sections has failed.

As a temporary solution divers are lifting them manually so the full length of the pool can be used.

The Kenyan team has said it is happy with the arrangement.

The team - brothers Jason and David Dunford - arrived in Bristol at the weekend and are said to be able to do "around 90%" of the training that was originally agreed.

Bristol City Council said: "While there is currently a technical fault with the mechanical boom at Hengrove Pool, this problem is being addressed.

"The temporary arrangements we have in place will enable the pool to be used as a 50m pool as well as two 25m pools as and when required.

"This operational system will not affect the dual use of the pool by the Kenyan Olympians and local schools scheduled for swim classes."

The £32m pool is less than five months old and was officially opened in May by former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster.

The building of the leisure centre was funded by private finance initiative credits from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.