A spa which closed to make way for a second soft play area was not well used, according to the leisure centre managers.

But people who use the spa at The Venue Leisure Centre, in Elstree Way, Borehamwood, argued hundreds of disabled people did use it as a form of therapy, to soothe their painful joints.

The spa was demolished in October and a new, second soft-play area for children will be opened on Saturday, leaving residents who started a petition angry managers 'turned a blind eye' to their plight. 

A statement from Hertsmere Leisure said: “The soft play area we had was oversubscribed so we made the decision to extend the soft play facilities at The Venue.

“We understand a small number of our customers have been inconvenienced by this change, but we do still have a spa at The Venue alongside the sauna and steam room.

“Responding to concerns about free access, Hertsmere Leisure has made access to our spa free to those who have disabilities.”

Despite this, Paul Simmonds - who has a condition similar to multiple-sclerosis - previously said the upstairs section was not wheelchair friendly.

In November, the dad-of-two told the Borehamwood Times: “It is a tiny lift and cannot fit a wheelchair in. To make matters worse, you have to walk through the reception area soaking wet to get there. 

“That is not practical if you are in a wheelchair like me.”