A LEISURE centre in a Herefordshire town which has been closed for 16 months will reopen this week.

The Bromyard Centre, run by Halo Leisure, closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but has been kept closed since due to ongoing work to repair damage to the roof.

Herefordshire Council, which owns the Cruxwell Street building, said internal damage was caused by "severe and deliberate damage" caused to the rood by vandals.

And a spokesperson said that the centre would reopen on Friday (July 23).

OTHER NEWS:

"Contractors working on behalf of the Council have made the building watertight and repaired the substantial water damage caused by the vandalism," a council spokesperson said.

"The centre is now due to re-open ahead of schedule."

Alex Haines, Halo partnership manager, said: "When the centre reopens it is going to be a real hub of activity with gym workouts, an exciting range of exciting group exercise classes, badminton, sports hall activities and library all under one (recently repaired) roof.

"Bookings are now open on the Halo Leisure Bromyard Centre app for gym and group exercise sessions."

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Coun Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said: “We have all been frustrated that The Bromyard Centre has had to remain closed for such a long time, and we are very sorry that needless vandalism prevented the Centre from re-opening much sooner.

"The benefits that come from such community assets, including boosts for physical and mental health, and community cohesion, are needed now more than ever.

“Halo customers and the community in general have been anxious to see their Centre return to business, and we are delighted that it will be re-opening its doors this month, providing a great way for residents to get active and enjoy themselves this summer.”