WORKS have begun on Leisure World’s flumes with hopes to open before the end of October, council bosses have confirmed.

The flumes at Colchester’s Leisure World were shut in July following a “routine health and safety check” which revealed the ride surface had deteriorated and required repair.

A specialist team was called for a “full evaluation of the work needed to resolve the issue”.

Colchester Council said while the current surface had not compromised safety, continued use without repair could have led to “significant deteriorating” and posed a risk to users.

The outdoor rapids were temporarily re-opened at the start of August to counteract the closure of the flumes, but the popular attraction was soon closed again after a “technical issue”.

An investment of more than £70,000 is due to be pumped into the outdoor rapids as well as the leisure pool area, and it’s been confirmed that works to reline the internal surface of the flumes have begun.

Fun - Leisure World is the only swimming pool with flumes in Colchester.Fun - Leisure World is the only swimming pool with flumes in Colchester. (Image: Newsquest)A spokesman from Colchester Council said: “Work to reline the internal surface of the flumes has now begun, and work to reline the rapids will take place following the completion of the flumes work.

“This work is of course weather dependant, but we are hoping to reopen as many of these great leisure pool features as we can for October half term; however, ensuring the health and safety of our visitors remains the top priority.

“These works will really improve the rider experience for both the flumes and rapids, and we are looking forward to welcoming people back to try them out as soon as we can.”

With many parents left disappointed with the closures throughout the summer holidays, the council has said it is still offering free pump track sessions.

The spokesman continued: “We remain fully committed to providing visitors with the best possible experience when they visit us and, as such, our offer for anyone who books a leisure pool swim to receive a free pump track session at Colchester Sports Park, complete with free bike and helmet hire, has now been extended until the end of October.

“We’d also like to take the opportunity to remind residents and visitors that we have a wide range of other fun activities available across all our centres in Colchester, more information can be found on our website, colchesterleisureworld.co.uk.”