COLCHESTER Council has announced Leisure World's outdoor rapids will be temporarily re-opening for the summer.

The news comes after the disappointing revelation the venue's popular flumes would be shut until September.

The council said its team "fully understand the disappointment caused by the closure of the flumes", which occurred after a health and safety check.

The temporary re-opening, which will begin on Monday, August 5, will be in place until the end of the school summer holidays.

"Parents and guardians can be assured that the rapids are safe to ride and have passed all the relevant health and safety assessments following work undertaken this week", a spokesman said.

More investment in the rapids will then take place alongside works to the flumes in the autumn – with the aim of re-opening all the rides in time for the October half-term holidays.

An investment of more than £70,000 is due to be pumped into the outdoor rapids as well as the leisure pool area.

Leisure boss at Colchester Council Martin Goss said: "We understand how much our visitors look forward to using the Leisure Pool and appreciate the frustrations felt last week.

"However, the health and safety of our visitors is our primary focus.

"We are thrilled that we have managed to be able to re-open the rapids from Monday.

"So, whether you are seeking thrills or a fun day out with the family, the Leisure Pool is your go-to destination to splash into summer.”

The flumes were shut suddenly for the summer following a "routine health and safety check".

The council revealed the ride surface of the flumes had "deteriorated and required repair".

A spokesman continued: "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 is taking place to re-line the internal surface of the flumes to 'improve the rider experience'.