Works to a leisure centre are now set to continue after they were suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Three Rivers District Council said it would temporarily stop works to improve South Oxhey Leisure Centre from April 3 because there was an "inability" to meet health and safety requirements under Government guidelines as well as a lack of supply chain to service the site.

But the works, which are being carried out by Vincent Stokes, on behalf of the council’s Leisure Management Contractor, Sports and Leisure Management, will now continue with a skeleton team.

The council says the skeleton team are ensuring they adhere to health and safety requirements under the latest Government guidance and that the site has also been made more secure.

The council's contractors have installed more barriers, additional signage and locks.

The construction work at the leisure centre was set to be complete in June, although the works may now take longer.

The leisure centre is set to have a new four-lane pool and teaching pool, changing rooms, two studios, spin studio, café and multi-functional room as well as the gym and sports halls.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, leader-member for leisure, said: “The council remains committed to the development of South Oxhey Leisure Centre and the circa £9 million spent on the project. We are now continuing this work as it is considered safe and appropriate to do so.

"The health and safety of our contractors is paramount to us.”