HEREFORD Leisure Pool will not reopen until early 2021 as work to repair damage caused by flooding took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

Halo Leisure, which runs the centre in St Martin's Avenue, said significant damage was caused by Storm Dennis in February as the nearby river Wye burst its banks.

Initially repair work was due to take six months, but due to the coronavirus lockdown and subsequent social distancing measures, the project has suffered huge delays.

Hereford Times:

"Hereford Leisure Pool suffered significant flood damage back in February, including irreparable damage to the main electrical installation," a spokesperson for Halo Leisure said.

"Back then, it was estimated that it would take at least six months for this major clean up and repair project. Due to the coronavirus lockdown, work on site then stopped for an extended period.

"While work restarted in May, social distancing now means there are strict limits on the number of people that can work on site at any one time."

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They added: "The combined effect of this is that the centre will remain closed for the remainder of 2020 and we’re working hard towards a completion and reopening in early 2021.

"We are asking customers, please do not contact us as we are operating with extremely limited resources at the moment. When the Government allows our other leisure centres to reopen we will be back in touch.

"It certainly has been a challenging time for staff and customers at Hereford Leisure Pool for many reasons. We really appreciate your support during this difficult year."