PERSHORE'S long-awaited new leisure centre is expected to open in less than a month, almost two years after the old centre closed.

The new £3.7m Pershore Leisure Centre in King George's Way is scheduled to open its doors to the public on Saturday, July 13.

Work to finish the new building is now almost complete and contractors expect to hand over the complex to the management team of Wychavon Leisure in the first week of July.

The complex will house a 25m, five-lane swimming pool with floating floor, a fitness room, an aerobics studio and a sauna and steam room.

There will also be a vending area with pool viewing.

Seating for about 70 spectators will be provided along with lower seating for disabled spectators.

It has also created more jobs for the town, with the appointment of two new lifeguards and fitness centre staff.

Centre manager Peter Head, said: "We are striving to open the new centre in time for the school holidays.

"We are all very excited because everything is almost in place and we're now just waiting for the final date for the hand over."