THE slides at Littledown leisure centre will remain closed with uncertainty over whether they will ever be replaced.

The popular yellow and green flumes have reached the end of their “operational lifespan”.

A review is now needed to consider the feasibility of options to replace the slides although no timeframe has been revealed.

This comes after the operators of the centre in Chaseside, BH Live, commissioned a series of inspections and assessments after corrosion was identified.

The slides at the leisure centre, which is owned by BCP Council, have not been open since before the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020.

A BCP Council spokeswoman said: “Following the results of the essential structural assessments, we continue to work with BH Live to commission a further review to consider the feasibility of the options going forward. We are unable to offer a timeframe at this stage''

Some of the facilities at Littledown underwent refurbishment during a programme of maintenance in 2018. This included the pool, spa and changing rooms with essential repairs, tiling and steelwork replacement.

A BH Live spokeswoman said: “Following further inspection and assessment, it has been confirmed that the flumes at Littledown have reached the end of their operational lifespan and will remain closed.

“The next step is to engage with specialists to look at feasible options in conjunction with BCP Council.”

The Daily Echo contacted ward councillors Bobbie Dove and Lawrence Williams.

The situation at Littledown comes as nearby Queen’s Park Leisure Centre, which is also run by BH Live, remains completely closed.

The site in Queen’s Park South Drive, which is not owned by BCP Council, has been shut for more than a year.

BH Live told the Daily Echo it was “temporarily closed”, with a notice on the charitable enterprise’s website saying the reopening “continues to be affected by ongoing industry and economic challenges”.

BCP Council owns eight leisure centres across the conurbation, including Littledown. Other sites include Pelhams in Kinson, 2 Riversmeet in Christchurch and the Dolphin in Poole.