Published: Friday, 23rd July, 2010 4:30pm

BAT WAS ON LOOSE AT LARGS POOL

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Going batty ... Staff at the Vikingar! were unable to find a bat on the loose at the local swimming pool.

Winging it at Largs swimming baths has been a surprise guest in the shape of a bat that has been flying about the pool area and is believed to be nesting in the leisure centre somewhere.

Mum Anne Caine of Inverkip was visiting with her son Joe on Saturday when she was informed that a bat was in the swimming pool area.

She said: "I arrived about five past ten, it opens at 10. When I went into reception, there were about six other people just waiting - I'd seen a couple of them go in as I was parking and getting Joe out of the car.

"The woman on the desk where you pay was on the phone but I was told by a fellow would-be swimmer that a bat was in the swimming pool area. He also told me the receptionist was making a call regarding the bat situation.

"Another person arriving was told by the receptionist about the bat and of the delay. Around 15-20 minutes later, we were told we could pay and go in. I was told as I paid that they had to warn me a bat had been seen in the pool area. I believe another swimmer was told the bat was thought to be nesting in the centre, although I wasn't told that."

The 'News' has learnt that the bat has since been found dead within the leisure complex after it had managed to get through a ventilation shaft.

A spokeswoman for KA Leisure which run the pool said: "K:A Leisure can confirm that bats have been seen within Vikingar!  Young bats that are nesting nearby are thought to have made their way into the Centre via the ventilation system.  Following a routine inspection, the body of one bat was recovered last week.

"As bats are a protected species, K:A Leisure has been following advice from the Bat Conversation Trust, who have indicated that they are young bats learning to fly and navigate and should be left alone to find their own way out and move on. 

"We shall continue to monitor the position and liaise with the Trust as required."