Plans to open a new 50m swimming pool and fitness facilities at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth have been delayed until next week, after inspectors ruled that building work had not been completed.

The centre had been expected to reopen on 6 May following a £20m refurbishment, which has been carried out by Kier Southern and also includes a new entrance and reception area and revamped catering facilities. Portsmouth City Council's head of cultural services, Stephen Baily, said: "The independent inspectors are not satisfied that the work has been completed and are unwilling to sign the facilities over from the contractor to the council."