LEAKS have been found in the ceiling of the swimming pool at Colchester’s Leisure World.

Users of the Cowdray Avenue fitness pool, which has just undergone a £900,000 refurbishment, have reported drips of water falling on them and brown patches on the ceiling.

In addition, the changing rooms have been temporarily closed so further improvements to the floor can be made, after claims customers had been slipping on the new surface.

The pool was closed for four months in the summer, a month longer than scheduled, while the refurbishment was carried out.

Council bosses say they are investigating the leaky ceiling, and point out it is not related to the new roof, which formed a major part of the Government-funded work.

They have also denied reports the wrong flooring was put down.

Tim Swallow, sport and leisure operations manager, said fresh repair work was not expected to result in any closures of the fitness pool.

He added: “The fitness pool hall appears to have two leaks and this is under investigation.

“The leaks are not related to the new roof. Following an inspection by the manufacturers of the roof, it has been confirmed the roof itself has been correctly installed.

“It is believed the areas of leakage are due to the cladding and guttering on the exterior of the roof. The matter is being investigated by the main contractors.”

Mr Swallow confirmed more improvement work was taking place in the changing rooms.

He said: “Following the opening of the refurbished fitness pool changing rooms on December 27, they have been temporarily closed so additional improvement work can take place.

“This work includes new mirrors, the installation of hair dryers, coat hooks, new bench seats and signage.

“Work is also taking place to improve the finish on the anti-slip flooring.”

A ceremony to mark the official opening of the pool, which has been hampered by setbacks since the refurbishment began last summer, is set to take place next Thursday.

It had been hoped the work would originally be completed and the pool reopened in September, but the discovery of asbestos in the old roof resulted in delays which meant the annual fire swim and Phoenix Amateur Swimming Club’s gala had to be cancelled.

Maggie Hargraves, secretary and squad manager of the club, said the delays with the changing rooms were causing them problems because they had to use the downstairs leisure pool facilities.

She added: “It is difficult because our members are disabled and it means we need more escorts. It appears to have gone on for a long time, but hopefully it is just teething problems.”

Part of the upgrade was to make it easier for users to get in and out of the pool.