A popular leisure centre has been forced to shut both of its swimming pools due to issues with boilers.

Staff at Bitterne Leisure Centre have closed both pools on Thursday as they are unable to heat the water to legal temperatures required for safe use.

An email sent to members from Active Nation – which runs the facility - notes that due to the age of the building on Dean Road, sourcing the parts needed to fix issues is “not as easy as it normally would be.”

READ MORE: First Bus: Over 140 Hampshire drivers to strike at Christmas

The Echo understands that all members at Bitterne can use their memberships at The Quays in the city centre, which does have swimming pool facilities.

This is the fourth time that children’s swimming lessons at the leisure centre have been cancelled since July.

Active Nation has not been able to provide a date for the pools’ reopening.

An email seen by the Echo said: "It is with a heavy heart, that I am having to report that we will be closing both pools as from December 5 2024.

"Our contractors have worked hard to fix the main issues within the plant room, but have since identified further issues with the boilers and currently we are unable to heat the pools to the temperatures required for safe use. 

"Due to the age of the building, sourcing the necessary parts to fix the issues is not as easy as it normally would be.

"All of our supporters at Bitterne are able to continue the use of their memberships at The Quays, which has alternative pool facilities available for your use.

"We are working as quickly as we can to fix these issues and will update you as soon as we have a date for re-opening.

"All swimming lesson parents will be contacted on day by day basis as to whether lessons will be available.  We will endeavour to offer make up lessons to those children who have been affected by a fourth cancellation since July 1, 2024."

"Thank you as always, for your loyal support and understanding."