The unveiling of the ill-fated swimming complex at the William Penn Leisure Centre is edging closer, council officials have said.

An estimated opening date, however, remains “too uncertain to be reported with confidence”.

Three Rivers District Council, heavily criticised for its role in the delayed and over budget project, confirmed this week its contractors were still working to excavate defective drains in the changing rooms.

The council, however, stresses that progress is being made.

In its latest report to residents it confirms that retiling of the pool area will soon get underway, and that the footpath at the front of the site, in Shepherds Lane, will soon be reopened.

Referring to a possible completion date, the statement continued: “The overall completion date for the pools remains too uncertain to be reported with confidence but, once the drainage remedial work is finished, a new completion programme will be available.”