A LEISURE centre has been slammed for its poor condition by users who have called for urgent improvements to be made.

Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton, which is run by Inspiring health lifestyles, has been subject to criticism on social media about its cleanliness, broken furniture and bad working practices.

Photographs and comments were posted on Facebook from different visitors who had been to the Eckersley Fold Lane centre in recent months with similar complaints made about its bad state.

One post read: “I have never been so disgusted and will never go there again.

“It was filthy.

“I think it should be shut down for a deep cleaning and a refurbishment in the changing rooms and pools.

“There were cracked tiles, broken doors and damaged toilet seats.

“Staff were also walking in the pool area without protective covers on their trainers even though there was a sign which stated this was banned.”

Another user commented: "I have complained about the cleanliness of the centre numerous times but nothing ever seems to be done about it."

Inspiring healthy lifestyles provided a comment about pictures taken this week which showed an area of the changing rooms which had not been cleaned.

Head of sport and leisure facilities Andrew Watmough said: "We actively manage the changing rooms to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are kept to give visitors the best possible experience when using the facility.

“Unfortunately on this occasion, during a very busy period for the centre, the area highlighted had not been checked.

“We follow strict procedures and make regular inspections, which we will continue to actively carry out throughout the centre to ensure our usual standards remain high."