UP TO 150 new jobs will be created with a new state-of-the-art health and fitness facility close to Junction 3 of the M53 in Prenton.

Total Fitness UK and developers Arrowcroft Northwest are to demolish the former United Utilities depot in Prenton Way on the North Cheshire Trading Estate.

And in its place they will build a new 80,000 square feet exercise and rehabilitation centre which will be ready in time for next summer.

The planned centre will provide a choice of four pools, the latest cardio vascular and exercise equipment, four-lane 200m running track and numerous classes.

Christopher Fox, managing director of Arrowcroft Northwest, says: "This is a superb gateway site for Total Fitness, highly visible and commanding access to the whole of the Wirral Peninsula. Local facilities will be greatly enhanced as a consequence of the development."

Pat McCloskey. property director of United Utilities, said: "We are delighted to have made this land available to generate so many local jobs and to add a great new amenity to Wirral."

And local Cllr Ann Bridson has also welcomed the plans to bring extra jobs in Prenton after viewing a similar complex in Chester.

She told the Globe: "Our only concern was for the extra traffic on the roundabout, but we have been reassured by police that this is not cause for concern."

She hopes the sports facility will offer a chance for other businesses to invest in Prenton.