Carlisle’s Sands Centre will close for up to 10 days after a temporary canopy over its roof was damaged during Storm Eowyn.
Cumberland Council said it would remain closed to allow work to be safely carried out on the canopy which was damaged on Friday, January 24.
The centre, its car park and Swifts car park have been closed this weekend as a result.
The temporary canopy had been installed as part of the RAAC replacement of the Sands’ auditorium roof.
The Sands Centre and Swifts car parks will both remain closed.
The closure also affects any NHS services that are provided at the centre. Patients will be contacted by the NHS direct.
A council spokesman said: “We apologise for the continued closure of the Sands Centre, but this is to ensure the safety of the public which remains our top priority.
“Work to assess the damage to the canopy and remove it has been happening throughout the weekend with specialists on site making good progress since Friday.
“This work will continue into the week ahead. We have considered alternative arrangements which would allow the reopening of the leisure centre – such as using alternative entrances for the public – but it is not possible to do this safely.
“By keeping the centre closed to the public the work to remove the canopy can continue as rapidly as possible, large machinery can move around the site more easily, and we can ensure the safety of the public from items that will be carried overhead.
“We shall provide further updates on the reopening of the Sands Centre as soon as we are able.”
Anyone with queries about classes or memberships should contact Better on 01228 633766 or look at the Better website at www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cumberland/the-sands-leisure-centre
