In response to recent social media and press reports raising concerns over the cleanliness and hygiene of Colchester Leisure World, Colchester City Council would like to assure residents that maintaining a safe and hygienic environment remains a top priority, with a number of actions being implemented to address visitor concerns.
The dedicated team at the facility already undertake rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure high standards of hygiene, including:
Deep cleaning of the pool area, changing rooms, and communal spaces, and regular cleaning patrols throughout the day undertaken by cleaning staff and lifeguards.
Frequent sanitisation of high-contact surfaces.
Provision of bins throughout the changing rooms to encourage responsible waste disposal, with a total of nine nappy bins, six hazard waste bins and seven rubbish bins in and around the leisure pool.
Clear hygiene rules, such as requesting visitors to remove shoes before entering changing areas or using shoe covers and using pre-swim showers.
Additionally, new overshoe dispensers are being installed, 58 extra cleaning staff hours per week are being recruited, and the centre will be increasing the frequency of deep cleaning through contractors. Floor tiles across both the leisure pool and fitness pool changing rooms will also receive additional cleaning treatment and an anti-slip coating.
However, the council also emphasise that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, with visitors to the centre expected to play their part. Staff and regular users see numerous instances of visitors ignoring basic hygiene rules, leaving waste behind, or failing to follow simple requests that help maintain cleanliness for all users. Visitors are expected to:
Dispose of litter and nappies appropriately and use the bins provided.
Shower before entering the pool to reduce contamination.
Follow clear hygiene rules signposted around the building.
Respect the facility and fellow swimmers by keeping communal areas tidy.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhood Services and Leisure, said “We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all pool users, and our staff work tirelessly to uphold cleanliness standards in an aging building.
“We acknowledge that the standards shown in recent videos circulating on social media fall below the standards we aim for. There is always room for improvement, and we take all complaints and concerns seriously. We are committed to reviewing our cleaning processes, listening to feedback, and identifying areas where we can do more to enhance cleanliness and overall user experience.
“However, some of the issues raised are preventable and often stem from the public’s disregard for basic hygiene practices. The team provides vital services, including free community activities, swimming lessons, and public health initiatives. By adhering to clear hygiene guidelines, the public can help ensure that these efforts remain the team's primary focus. Maintaining this balance depends on public cooperation.”
The team welcome constructive feedback from the community and are continually reviewing cleaning processes to ensure the highest standards. Any specific concerns can be reported directly to the team at the welcome zone.
Colchester City Council remains committed to maintaining a high-quality facility for all residents and urges all visitors to act responsibly to ensure a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Page last reviewed: 1 April 2025