MORE than £50,000 is to be spent on the swimming pools and sports hall at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

The essential maintenance work is being carried out by Sedgefield Borough Council's leisure department.

It means that the pools will be closed to the public from Monday to Monday, August 11.

The sports hall will be closed from Wednesday next week to Saturday, August 2.

Work includes measures to improve water quality in the pool, and installation of new parts to ensure that the heating and hot water system boilers operate more economically.

The sports hall surface will be cleaned and the maple strip sprung floor be resealed.