Delays hit £12m water park

The Black Country's first holiday-style water park will not open on time because of technical problems, it was revealed today.

The eagerly-awaited launch of Wolverhampton's £12.8 million Swimming and Fitness Centre, which was expected to take place on Friday, will now happen a week later.

Bosses of the exciting new facility at Bowman's Harbour, Wednesfield Way, blamed problems with the pool's filtration system and flooring.

Centre operators DC Leisure Management said they wanted everything to be perfect before the facility was unveiled.

The pool, which includes a giant water flume, "river run" and wave machine, will now be officially unveiled on December 11 at noon, but there will be public viewings throughout the previous week.

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for leisure, said: "Naturally we are disappointed with this slight delay in the opening of the city's newest leisure attraction.

"However, it is important that the entire range of health and leisure facilities within the complex, are fully available to the citizens of Wolverhampton, as soon as it opens."

He added: "I am delighted that it will be open well before Christmas for everyone's enjoyment."

Peter Kirkham, DC Leisure's development director said: "The weeks delay is obviously disappointing, however, I can assure the public of Wolverhampton that the building is essentially complete."