The swimming and health suite facilities at Winsford Lifestyle Centre in Cheshire are closed to the public for the next four weeks while urgent maintenance work is carried out.

Defective pool floors at the sports and leisure complex - opened in March by Cheshire West and Chester Council at a cost of £10.8m - will be repaired under warranty by the original contractors.

However, the fitness suite, squash courts and sports hall will remain open to the public during this period and members will be compensated for the inconvenience until a normal service resumes.

Culture and recreation portfolio holder, cllr Richard Short, said: "It is extremely annoying that this has occurred in such a new building and as an operator we are very disappointed and frustrated with this situation.

"While it is not anticipated that these issues will have any cost to the council or tax payers, as the building is still under warranty, unfortunately we have to offer a lesser service to our users temporarily.

"I am grateful to the staff who are doing everything possible to minimise the disruption this has caused."