A LEISURE centre which was forced to close after a customer contracted the potentially deadly legionella bug has reopened today after being shut for almost three months.

Walton Lifestyles closed in December after a man was diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease.

Tendring Council, which runs the centre, says extensive work has been carried out to ensure the gym and pool facilities are clear of the bacteria.

Water tests have now come back negative so the centre can reopen safely.

The reopening date had been put back several times.

Leisure boss Lynda McWilliams said: “The modifications have taken longer than we first anticipated but it is very difficult when you start out to estimate the exact period that the programme of works would take."

She said the council had followed expert advice "to the letter".