PARENTS are angry Bicester’s only toddler pool will remain closed until January, more than a year after it suddenly shut.

The play and teach pool at Bicester Leisure Centre closed in early December 2012 after tiles cracked on the base of the pool.

Work has finally started to repair its concrete tank after eight months of tests to find out the cause of the problem.

The pool, at the Queens Avenue sports centre owned by Cherwell District Council, and run by Parkwood Leisure, will not open for at least four months.

The move has angered parents, including Sam Vincent, of Juniper Gardens, Bicester, who visited the facility with five-year-old daughter Olivia.

She said: “I think stating this length of time will only add further frustrations to parents already at the end of their tether.

“It is a complete mockery.”

The council said deterioration of the concrete base surface, a water pipe leak and age of the tile adhesive had caused problems.

The tiles and top layer of concerete will be replaced.

Deputy council leader George Reynolds said it had been important to take some time to get technical advice and take remedial action.