The Sands Centre, Carlisle plus the Sands Car Park and Swifts Car Park remain closed to allow work to be safely carried out on the temporary canopy which was damaged by Storm Éowyn on Friday 24 January.
The closures will continue this week and over the weekend.
The temporary canopy had been installed as part of the RAAC replacement of the Sands’ auditorium roof and was damaged as a result of the strong winds from the storm.
GLL continues to work closely with Cumberland Council and has put temporary measures in place to minimise disruption.
Members are able to access alternative facilities at Better Leisure Centres across Cumbria during normal working hours. The Sheepmount Athletics Stadium has extended its opening hours to run from 8am and 7pm while the repair work is carried out, where members can utilise the gym and running track.
A reduced exercise class timetable is available at the former St John Henry Newman Catholic School, Lismore Place, alongside a limited gymnastics programme. Access to all other centres is included in the current membership agreement at no extra charge for those who hold membership at The Sands Centre.
The closure also affects any NHS services that are provided at the centre. Patients are being contacted by the NHS direct.
A council spokesperson said:
“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 apologise for the continued closure, 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 steel work continues and we are making good progress. This work will continue into the week ahead and over the weekend.
“We will provide further updates on the reopening of the Sands Centre and car parks as soon as we can.”
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
Photo credit: Stuart Walker
