Staff shortages at Temple Cowley Pools have forced the closure of the swimming pool an hour early tonight.

The pool will close at 9pm rather than 10pm.

Last month under-fire Oxford City Council, which runs the pool, had to shut the Barton and Ferry Sports Centre pools because of a lifeguard shortage.

Figures obtained by the Oxford Mail have revealed that staff sickness at the Town Hall between April and September this year has resulted in 8,000 lost days and has cost more than £1m.