CRACKS continue to appear in tiles of a swimming pool in a newly opened £8 million leisure centre.

The main pool in Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, in Aldenham Road, Bushey, was closed on Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17, to repair tiles surrounding the pool, and to allow an investigation into the cause of the cracks.

On Sunday, May 19, further cracks were spotted, and parts of the pool were roped-off while sub-contractors for Wilmott Dixon, which built the pool, made repairs on Wednesday evening.

The problem of the pool water dipping under the normal 30C has been solved by cleaning the water heater.

But the tile saga at the centre heralded at its opening as Hertsmere Borough Council's flag ship leisure facility continues.

Developer's Wilmott Dixon, the tiling company, the tiling association and the leisure centre management have gathered round the pool to asses the damage and samples have been taken away for analysis.

And tiles have been temporarily patched up with construction strength glue and grouting.

Leisure centre general manager Mr Stuart Leggett said: "We are checking the pool once or twice a day to make sure things are as they should be.

He said "some time in the future" details of the assessment will be received, but in the mean time expected repair work to continue on an as and when basis.

Leisure Portfolio holder councillor Morris Bright visited the pool last week. He said: "It is terribly frustrating the problem has not been sorted out as quickly as we would have liked.

"Regardless of the fact it is a new building, it is important we get users into the pool. One does not expect this sort of thing of a building of such a young age.

"There appears not to be an instant remedy to this problem, but at the end of the day safety has to be paramount."