A COMMUNITY group has been formed after further claims that work on a £10million leisure centre is affecting people's lives.

The Grundy Hill Residents Association was created to put forward the concerns about the construction of Horwich Leisure Centre in Victoria Road, which is being carried out by Willmott Dixon.

The group has held three meetings so far about the construction and how it is affecting those living close to the development.

A statement from the association said: "The second meeting of the association heard about many issues affecting the residents of Brooklands, Gresley Avenue and Gorton Fold areas.

"These included drains dropping, gardens flooding, cracks and damage to property since nearby building work started."

It added: "A committee has now been formed to take forward these and other issues."

There have also been concerns about the security of the site and claims that gates are not secure enough to prevent people from trespassing.

And the group was worried the excess dust from the development could cause or exacerbate health problems.

Representatives from Bolton Community Leisure Trust, Bolton Council and Willmott Dixon were in attendance at a recent meeting of the residents' group to hear the concerns.

In a joint statement from Bolton Community Leisure Trust and Bolton Council, a spokesman said: "We would like to thank residents for their continued patience whilst work is under way on the new £10 million Horwich Leisure Centre.

"Representatives from the Bolton Community Leisure Trust, Willmott Dixon and the council attended the residents’ meeting to address various concerns that had been raised, some of which have already been resolved.

"The meeting was positive and we will keep in regular contact with the group. We will also continue to monitor, work closely and keep in regular contact with the contractor and local residents."

Work on the leisure centre began last year after the car park was demolished in June.

A building has now begun to take form as it stays on track to open in 2018.

The steel frame structure currently houses the layout of what will become a fully-functioning centre, with work expected to be completed by September.

Construction has begun on a six-lane swimming pool and separate training pool and a four-court sports hall on the lower ground floor and a swimming pool viewing gallery, 100-station fitness suite multi-function studio with kitchen and reception area on upper floor — as well as changing room facilities.

Willmott Dixon has been approached for a comment.