A Northern Ireland council has issued an update after one one of its leisure centres suffered significant damage as a result of Storm Éowyn.
The roof blew off a section of the Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex on Friday as high winds battered the region.
The Co Down centre was previously damaged during Storm Arwen in 2021 but the latest damage was to a different area of the building’s roof. The section repaired following the previous storm has incurred no damage.
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Ards and North Down Borough Council has urged the public to avoid the area for their own safety. Over the weekend, the council advised members to use the gyms at both Bangor Sportsplex and Queen's Leisure Complex in nearby Holywood free of charge and the pool at Ards Blair Mayne for swimmers.
Further strong winds on Sunday hampered the recovery process and Bangor Aurora remained closed on Monday. Contractors attended the site on Monday morning to survey the damage.
In an update on Monday night, the council said: "Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, owned by Ards and North Down Borough Council and managed by Northern Community Leisure Trust (NCLT), sustained damage due to Storm Eowyn. Contractors, Council Officers and NCLT staff assessed the site on Friday afternoon as soon as it was safe to do so. They agreed a plan which commenced the following morning at 9am.
"Contractors have been on site throughout the weekend and are continuing with operations this week. Efforts were hampered by further inclement weather but progress has been made. The swimming pool and gym areas are largely unaffected and it is hoped they will reopen soon, pending confirmation that the building is safe and compliant. The roof covering the sports hall is most affected, with remedial costs and repair timelines to be agreed.
"In the interim, health and fitness members can avail of the swimming pool at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex (Newtownards) free of charge. They can also use the gyms at Bangor Sportsplex, Queen’s Leisure Complex (Holywood) and Comber Leisure Centre all day, as well as the gym at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing Leisure Complex until 5pm.
"We understand that this is frustrating for all users of Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex but Council officers, NCLT and contractors are doing everything they can to ensure it reopens as soon as possible without compromising safety."
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