Peeling paint in the Spa has proved a problem

Capita Symonds, who took over building work from Mowlem earlier this year, have compiled a new list of problems.

Mowlem was forced off the project by Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes) following a public row.

Mowlem said many of the problems have not been raised before and that they are "willing to discuss" them.

Capita said galvanised steel was used rather than stainless, but added it posed no structural threat.

The construction is as specified and as inspected and accepted by Banes structural engineers long ago. Mowlem statement

The project is nearly three years overdue and millions of pounds over its original �13m budget.

The council has so far spent �17.6m on the Spa. Its overall costs are expected to be �35.5m, plus �3m in interest charges.

Capita Symonds' report goes on to say the building is suffering from a crack in the basement.

A Mowlem statement denied the crack was a problem.

"This is an inherent part of the design, resulting from the junction between the floating slab and fixed wall," the firm said.

"The construction is as specified and as inspected and accepted by Banes structural engineers long ago."

'Inherent defect'

Some of the other serious faults include leaking flooring, which will need to be re-laid and peeling paint in the steam room.

Mowlem said "there was an inherent design defect across the whole of the flooring", which had been raised with the council before.

Councillor Nicole O'Flaherty, Banes' executive member for tourism, leisure and culture said: "My first reaction was a mixture of concern and disappointment.

"However, I am assured by our contractors and officers that the implications of this list of works will have little or no bearing on the opening date of the project - we are still on course."