'Teething problems' hit new leisure centre

Eclipse Leisure Centre opened in October 2024

More money needs to be spent on a new Surrey leisure centre after several issues with the site were flagged.

Eclipse Leisure Centre in Staines, which opened its doors in October 2024 after a £43 million spend, requires barriers to a skyroof and sauna, and grass protection.

"Someone's head should roll," said Shepperton Town councillor Lisa Brennan, claiming there had been "massive oversight" in the project.

Sue Doran, of Spelthorne Borough Council, told BBC Radio Surrey the local authority had dealt with issues at the state-of-the-art facility "quickly", once they were identified.

"No matter how much a [building] costs, who designs or builds it... there are always some things you cannot allow for," she added.

Ms Doran said the council was "extremely proud" to have delivered the leisure centre for local residents.

Operator Places Leisure raised health and safety concerns over people climbing onto the pool rooflight, exposed coals in the sauna, and individuals cutting across the grass and making it "unsightly".

Other concerns were not mentioned by them at the Spelthorne Borough Council meeting on January 7, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Plans to upgrade the leisure centre were first announced in 2018, with detailed proposals approved in 2021.

It has pools, a spa, rooftop football pitches and a cafe.