A POPULAR venue in Colchester has announced one of its attractions will be shut for repairs throughout the summer holidays.

Leisure World in Cowdray Avenue will be shutting its flumes for “urgent repairs” over the summer.

The news comes after a “routine health and safety check” performed on Thursday.

A spokesman said: “The ride surface of the flumes has deteriorated and requires repair. While the current surface remains intact and has not compromised safety, continued use without repair could lead to a significant deterioration posing a risk to users.

“We cannot accept this risk. The safety of our customers is paramount.”

Work will now take place to reline the internal surface of the flumes, “improving the rider experience”.

Council bosses also said there will also be an investment of more than £70,000 pumped into the outdoor rapids at the site, as well as for the leisure pool area.

“Our intention is to capitalise on the opportunity to invest in the outdoor rapids whilst this essential maintenance work is taking place, giving swimmers plenty of fun to look forward to,” a statement added.

“We aim to reopen the flumes in September and bring the rapids back into use in October.”

Bookings made for a leisure pool swim between July 26 and August 31 now include a free Pump Track session at Colchester Sports Park, complete with free bike and helmet hire.

However, the council added that for those preferring a refund, to email contact.leisureworld@colchester.gov.uk.

Colchester Council leisure boss Martin Goss said: “We understand the timing is less than ideal, especially during the school summer holidays, however, the leisure pool will remain open.

“Our commitment to maintaining standards of safety and enjoyment for all our guests remains our number one priority.

“We look forward to splashing back in September after an estimated £70,500 investment in the Leisure Pool, and the outdoor rapids following in October, ready for everyone to enjoy during the October Half Term Holidays.

“We appreciate our community’s patience and support whilst we undertake this work.”