THE outdoor rapids at Colchester Leisure World have been re-closed due to a “technical issue”.

The popular attraction at the venue has been forced to shut again after being temporarily re-opened for the summer.

The closure is on top of the existing one to both of the flumes, which were shut until September after a “routine health and safety check”.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said the rapids are currently closed due to a “technical issue with the pump”.

A specialist team was onsite on August 22 and is due to return today, August 23, for a “full evaluation of the work needed to resolve the issue”.

The spokesman continued: “We hope to have the rapids reopen as soon as possible but understand that this will cause further disappointment alongside the current closure of the flumes.

“We would like to take the opportunity to remind residents and visitors that we have a wide range of fun activities available across all our facilities in Colchester, more information can be found on our website at colchesterleisureworld.co.uk.”

The flumes at the leisure complex were shut in July after the ride surface had deteriorated and required repair.

The council said while the current surface remains intact and had not compromised safety, continued use without repair could have led to a “significant deterioration” posing a “risk to users”.

The flumes were shut so work could take place to reline the internal surface, “improving the rider experience”.

The temporary re-opening of the rapids then began on Monday, August 5, and were due to 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 previously.

More investment in the rapids is set to 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.