THERE are calls to investigate failings at a Herefordshire leisure centre which has been forced to close again due to flooding.

The Bromyard Centre, run by Halo Leisure, had only been open for less than a week after a 16-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic and roof damage and internal flooding.

Herefordshire Council, which owns the building, blamed vandalism for the delay. The centre remained closed up until Friday as damage caused by water coming through the roof was repaired.

But as rain lashed down in Bromyard on Monday evening, water once again came pouring through the ceiling at the leisure centre in Cruxwell Street.

Conservative Council for the Bromyard Bringsty ward Nigel Shaw called on Herefordshire Council to appoint an independent surveyor to "investigated this failure", with the centre closed again until at least Friday.

Coun Shaw said everyone was saddened and frustrated by the unexpected leak and the closure.

He said the managing director of Halo Leisure Scott Rolfe had written to him to say contractors were already investigating what happened and why.

"We all hope that a remedy can be implemented in the shortest time possible after the very long closure that we have endured, and I'll be pressing Halo and Council officers for this," Coun Shaw said.

"I've asked them to consider partial re-opening if that is possible.

"I've also suggested to Coun [Gemma] Davies, the cabinet member responsible, that matters would benefit from the prompt appointment of an independent surveyor to investigate this failure."

Herefordshire Council has been asked to comment.

A spokesperson for Halo Leisure said: "The centre has been damaged by localised flash flooding. It will remain closed until at least Friday, July 30.

"We have contractors, technicians and engineers on site assessing the damage and planning repairs.

"We will update you when the investigations are complete and we know more. If you are a member, please be assured you will not be out of pocket."

As thunderstorms hit Bromyard, shocking video showed water running down the High Street, with drains overwhelmed by the sudden deluge.

Some roads in the area were flooded, but passable with care.