Highbridge’s King Alfred Sports Centre is to remain closed until January after suffering severe flooding damage caused by a torrential rain storm earlier this month.
The centre suffered major damage to its roof and interior when exceptionally heavy rain caused flooding across the town on August 5th, as first reported here.
The centre’s operators said this week that “extensive repair work” needs to be carried out and this is not expected to be completed until the start of 2015.
Spokeswoman Gail Livingstone from operator 1610 told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The roof of the building, the gym, dance studio, bar and reception area will all need to be fully refurbished and the building will have to dry out before the centre can re-open in January.”
“It is estimated that this process could take up to four months because of the extent of the flooding in the centre.”
1610 Leisure Trust, which leases the centre from Somerset County Council, says it has been actively working with the council to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
It is writing to customers to inform them about the closure and the contingency plans being put in place while the repairs are completed.
Members of King Alfred Sports Centre are able to use any 1610 leisure centre including Trinity Sports and Leisure and Robert Blake and Elmwood Leisure Centres in Bridgwater as alternative venues while the centre is temporarily closed.
The Manager of King Alfred Sports Centre, Toni McKinlay, added: “1610 appreciates the patience of customers at this time and we are doing everything we can to minimise the inconvenience to them while the repairs are carried out.”
“Group exercise classes will continue to take place on site at the King Alfred School and we are also looking at alternative venues for the Sports Hall and Squash Courts.”
David Hall, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, added: “We are working closely with 1610 and our contractors to ensure the Leisure Centre is reopened as early as possible in the New Year. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience whilst the necessary works are carried out and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Customers will also be kept informed of regular updates about King Alfred Sports Centre on the 1610 website and here on Burnham-On-Sea.com.
