BOSSES at a leisure centre which was forced to close after a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak finally hope to have the facility open again in two weeks’ time.

Walton’s Lifestyles complex was forced to shut in December after a customer contracted the potentially-deadly legionella bug.

Tendring Council, which operates the centre, brought in experts to carry out a probe into the outbreak.

The facility has been shut to the public for almost three months while tests and decontamination work has been carried out.

It was expected to reopen at the end of January but that was put back until mid February. Council bosses have now set a target date of February 24.

They say modifications at the centre are now almost complete.

The council said: “The scheme at the site on the Esplanade will need to be approved - and followed by a series of water tests.

“Provided the tests prove negative for legionella, the facility will be open to the public again.”

All the showers at the site have been replaced as a precautionary measure. Modifications have been made involving the cold water pipe to ensure any potential for problems is designed out.

The council says the pool was unaffected by the bacteria.

A full disinfection of the water system has now been completed. Chlorination of the entire water system will take place once all the work is completed, before independent testing is carried out.

Council leisure boss Lynda McWilliams said it has been frustrating for customers and staff.

“No one wanted to see the facility closed for this period of time, but the safety of people using the site has to come first,” she said.

“We very much appreciate everyone’s patience and the work is now almost complete.

“Subject to satisfactory water results we aim to reopen on Friday, February 24.

" If it happens that we are able to open sooner, we will do so and will keep people informed.”

Centre members will not be charged for February.