The new centre, on Church Street, opened in May this year and the 25m and teaching pools were expected to open this autumn because final tests had to be completed — but they will now not be opened until next year.

Further work must now be carried out by the main building contractor at the pools in Alfreton and ones at new leisure centres in Ripley and Heanor.

Said Coun Norman Bull, cabinet member for well-being at Amber Valley Borough Council: "The borough council and DC Leisure are fully committed to providing premium quality sport and leisure facilities for the residents of Amber Valley.

"For this reason, in November 2007 we demanded that further testing was undertaken on the swimming pools at all three of the borough's new leisure centres, in order that we could be fully satisfied that they had been constructed to the exacting standards set out in the original project agreement.

"We appreciate this further delay will be frustrating for pool users and we share their disappointment that the new pools weren't able to open alongside all the other fantastic facilities at the new leisure centres.

"However, we hope people will also recognise the need to ensure that the building works are completed to the highest possible standard, and that we accept nothing less.

"Our aim is to provide outstanding facilities that will continue to benefit the local community for many years to come and we are therefore simply not prepared to compromise on quality."

The authority has taken steps to ensure the existing swimming pools at Ripley and Heanor remain open for the public during the extended construction period.

The Alfreton Leisure Centre features a six-court sports hall, squash courts, a hi-tech gym with more than 60 pieces of equipment, a workout studio, a sauna and an indoor bowls facility, which were all opened in May.