Storm Ciara: Pool closed as part of roof falls off while people were swimming

Part of the roof at the Splash Leisure Centre in Sheringham fell down at around 11am on Sunday. Picture: Leah Caudz. (Image: Archant)

The swimming pool at Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre in Sheringham was closed following the incident, which happened at about 11am today.

The 32-year-old centre, which is about to be replaced with a new building, is owned by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

Council leader Sarah Butikofer said officers were at the centre assessing the damage.

She said: "A panel of the roof - measuring 3m by 4m - came down, falling into the swimming pool area, near the pool. People were swimming in the pool at the time. The pool is now closed. No-one was injured, and the whole area was very safely evacuated.

"There's still a piece of metal next to the panel which is loose. The gym and the sports park remain open.

"We are hoping to get the roof fixed tomorrow."

Splash posted on its Facebook page: "Our pool is closed today due to unforeseen circumstances, we are working to resolve it as soon as possible.

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"We will keep posting updates as we know more information. Sorry for any inconvenience caused."

People took to social media to report the news.

A member of the Enjoy Sheringham More Facebook group wrote: "Section of the roof has just blown off at Splash!

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"They were closing the pool as I left off from my gym session."

North Norfolk District Council is building a new £12.6m state-of-the-art leisure centre, which will replace the existing Splash, which will remain open until the new centre is complete.

The new centre is due to open in summer 2021.

Splash was opened by Princess Diana in May 1988. It cost £2.5m and took five years to plan and build.