Totton'S new £3m leisure centre has been hit by a four-month delay following the collapse of a Hampshire construction firm.

The Hanger Farm scheme was due to be fully operational by September, but some of the facilities will not be finished until next January.

It follows a cash flow crisis suffered by the Southampton based Leonard Field Group, which was building the showpiece project.

Another contractor has stepped into the breach and even though work resumed, the scheme is behind schedule as a result of the problems experienced by the other firm.

The centrepiece of the leisure centre project will be a performing arts centre, which is being built inside a historic barn and will be run by Totton College.

Other parts of the site will host eight tennis courts, a children's play area, a paddling pool and a stretch of public open space.

As reported in the Daily Echo, work stopped last month after the Leonard Field Group went into voluntary administration.

Now Totton and Eling Town Council has recruited Richardsons (Nyewood) Ltd, of Petersfield, to take over the contract.

The most important parts of the project are due to open later this year, but the play area and paddling pool will not be ready until after Christmas.

A council spokesman said: "The barn and tennis centre are being given priority in order to meet the needs of the known users.

"Hopefully they will be completed by October, with play possible on the tennis courts before that date. We hope the rest of the project will be finished by mid-January 2005."

Len Harris, chairman of the council's amenities committee, was delighted that work had resumed.

He said: "Despite the enormous problem that arose with the original contractor we now have a new contractor on site to complete this wonderful project, which will be of great benefit to local people."

The progress of the scheme will be debated by New Forest District Council's ruling Cabinet next Wednesday.