PART of a Hampshire sports centre could be closed for up to three months.

Civic chiefs have revealed that a hairline crack about a metre long has been found in the learner pool at Applemore Health and Leisure Centre, near Hythe.

The crack was discovered during a routine inspection and a more detailed investigation will have to be carried out.

The learner pool was closed on Tuesday and could remain shut until the beginning of December, depending on the extent of the problem.

A New Forest District Council spokesman said: "This will involve draining the small learner pool, removing the tiles and excavating into the structure of the pool.

"We are being advised that these works could lead to the learner pool being closed for up to three months depending on the findings of the investigations.

"Swimming lessons due to take place in the learner pool will be cancelled and customers contacted.

"Lessons can be transferred to any of our other four centres or customers can request a refund. Swimming in the main pool, including lessons, will carry on as usual."

Colin Read, the council’s deputy chief executive, added: “Our first priority has to be safety.

"We will carry out thorough investigations and any necessary remedial works. We are grateful for our customers’ patience while we do so and apologise for this disruption.”