Faults halt sports centre opening

Safety concerns after an inspection have delayed the opening of a new £25m sports centre in Essex.

Significant work needs to be done on fire dampers at the Leisure Zone in Harlow before it can open.

A spokesman for Harlow Council said the authority was disappointed with the delayed opening and had complained to the builders.

A number of other faults also have to be put right before the opening, the building inspectors said.

The centre was due to be open before Christmas but residents are being told they will now have to wait until at least next spring.

When it is finished, the centre is set to be an official training venue for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The centre houses swimming pools, a large gym and an indoor tennis centre.