Over the next 14 weeks, building crews will demolish the front entrance of Clayton Green Sports Centre, off Clayton Green Road, to make way for a modern, disability-friendly facility.

The renovations will include a new-look entrance area, mobility buggy park, double-entry automatic doors, additional toilet and shower facilities, and a disabled access lift.

The exterior facade will also be ripped down and modernised as organisers aim to inject new life into the dated leisure centre and make the facility more accessible to a wider range of people.

Coun Michael Muncaster, who represents the neighbouring ward of Clayton-le-Woods West and Cuerden, said: "A lot of residents from my area use the facility and we are all glad that it is going to be made more compliant for people with disabilities - it has needed it for some time.

"All public buildings should be made as accessible as possible for people with disabilities and this move sets a very good example to others."

Located next to Asda superstore, the centre already boasts a refurbished sports hall with six badminton courts, a basketball court, indoor five-a-side football, and volleyball.

Additionally there is a health and fitness suite with more than 40 pieces of fitness equipment and a wide-range of group fitness and aerobic classes, and two squash courts.

Earlier this year, leisure bosses were criticised when three part-time bar staff lost their jobs because of financial pressures stemming from the upgrade.

However, the people behind the scheme say the improvements are being made to comply with latest disability legislation.

Coun John Walker, the council's executive member for people, said: "Following a Disability Discrimination Act audit, we identified a number of improvements that needed to be made including improving access to the first floor, upgrading the changing and shower facilities to make them accessible to everyone and installing an open plan reception area and door access system.

"We will do all we can to minimise disruption and keep customers updated on our progress."