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The closure, not the first for emergency remedial works at the sports centre, has prompted local councillors to call for a permanent solution to the problems or the building of a replacement.

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A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "We have taken the decision to close the pool temporarily as a precautionary measure to enable us to carry out checks on the ceiling.

The rest of the leisure centre remains open, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to people. We will do our best to re-open the pool as soon as possible."

Councillor James Lewis (Lab, Kippax and Methley) said: "Like local residents I am disappointed to find out that once again the pool has had to be shut at short notice. We all know that the building is over 30 years old and visibly decaying."

The Leisure Centre, in Station Road, Kippax – which also includes two sports halls which remain available – is well used by the local community, said Coun Lewis.

He said that the pool closed following a chemical alert in January 2008 and in the summer of last year it were closed for repairs for three weeks.

Coun Lewis said the centre was very well used by local school groups as well as individual members of the community.

"It was the only local leisure centre with its own swimming pool and as such held a significant value to residents and the public.

"It is becoming out of date and I believe the council recognises this. There were new generations of pools being provided in Armley and Morley," said Coun Lewis.

There had been talk of merging swimming facilities from three or four existing pools, but he felt it was vital that a swimming pool was retained in Kippax.

"It is time the Conservative-run council came forward with investment plans and funding so the centre has a long term future," he added.

Councillor Keith Wakefield (Lab, Kippax and Methley) added: "This latest problem only underlines our call for long-term investment to bring the centre up to standard.

"On hearing the news I immediately contacted senior council officers to reiterate our demand for investment to secure the centre's future."