Unforeseen problems with the drilling of a geothermal well at Jubilee Pool in Penzance have meant that the lido will not be fully heated this summer as planned.

Geothermal Energy Limited, the company carrying out the work, found a zone of very high water flow 410 metres below the ground.

There were fears that if drilling continued, the geothermal well could potentially collapse.

Instead, the team decided to stop the work and make the most of the well by installing additional pumps to transfer heat to the pool.

The installation of additional pumps has delayed the process, and the pool will not be fully heated until November.

Although it will not yet be heated, Jubilee Pool will reopen this summer on July 6 with opening hours extended on July 27 to coincide with the school holidays.

The new cafe and community space will also reopen for the summer, and a range of activities and summer events will be published shortly.

Entry prices for the main pool will remain the same as they were in 2018: £5 for adults and £3.50 for children, with discounted family tickets available.

The Jubilee Pool website will also be upgraded to allow online tickets to be purchased in advance.

Chief operations officer Abbie Cranage said: "We understand this delay to geothermal opening is far from ideal but wanted to do all we could to get the existing pool and other amenities reopen over summer for the community to enjoy. We are doing all we can to work with partners and bring their deadlines further forward where possible.”

Director Susan Stuart said: “Due to the delay in forecast geothermal income, we are working with Penzance Town Council, Cornwall Council, other major partners and funders to ensure the appropriate financial arrangements are in place.”

From November the pool will be open 12 months a year, providing geothermal and main pool swims.

The new facilities are creating seven new permanent jobs as well as a host of other seasonal opportunities.

Recruitment is now live for lifeguards and other key roles on jubileepoolcareers.co.uk.

Abbie Cranage added: “This project is a massive win for Penzance and we really think it will boost the local economy. We are also really excited to hear that the national cycling tour will also start from Penzance Prom next year and this area will undergo resurfacing and refurbishment.

"2020 is our 85th birthday and we have a range of activities planned to celebrate. We thank people for their patience whilst we finalise this massive construction project and look forward to reopening our gates again to our customers in July.”