The joint and muscle support group had been working towards a November 20 re-opening of the pool located at Albury hospital and had arranged for trainers from Arthritis Victoria to visit Albury soon after to carry out mandatory training for group leaders.

JAM secretary Julie Ridley said she was notified yesterday there was no chance of the pool opening on November 20.

“My nerves are raw and I’m devastated by the news,” she said.

“But I don’t have total control and am just trying to be the go-between for the community (and Albury Wodonga Health).

“It’s becoming a health and well-being situation and some of the people who were using the pool won’t recover from this.

“They won’t be able to get back in the water.”

In a statement, AWH chief executive Leigh McJames said the health service had never locked in an opening date.

 “However we do expect the pool to be open by Christmas,” he said..

AWH wouldn’t disclose whether a contractor had been appointed to repair the pool or the exact works required.

The pool shut in June and in mid-August the NSW Government announced $80,000 for the repair job.

Member for Albury Greg Aplin said at the time of the funding being made available it was up to AWH to act immediately.

Mrs Ridley said the situation was getting worse for those needing the pool.

“I’m not being told anything because I’m only a pool user,” she said.

“But we need it open for ongoing training.

“It is a requirement and we told (AWH) we needed the pool open for that, but now it is not going to happen.”

She said a list of alternative pool options provided during the closure weren’t suitable with a ramp a pre-requisite for users.

Mr Aplin was unable to comment when contacted by The Border Mail due to NSW parliament commitments in Sydney.