News

The Folkestone Sports Centre is to receive a £25,000 grant to pay for repairs to its leaking sports hall roof from Shepway District Council.

The roof can leak during heavy rain, and at times the hall has had to close to avoid risk to the public from wet and slippery floors.

The council has now stepped in to pay for permanent repairs to the roof as it recognises the important role the sports centre plays in keeping the district fit and healthy.

The economic downturn has meant that the council had to turn down a request from the Sports Centre for a substantially increased long-term subsidy, but the council is keen to support the centre on a phased basis, allowing repairs and development to continue.

A council spokesman said: "We are committed to supporting the Folkestone Sports Centre's development, despite the current financial downturn. We recognize how disruptive unplanned closures are, so this grant funding will help to ensure that the sports hall can remain open for business."

Tessa Stickler, Manager of the Folkestone Sports Centre, said: "This is a big step for us, as this grant will help to keep the sports hall open. When the major regeneration was set to go ahead, the first step was to completely repair the roof of the whole building. It's great to know that an emergency repair can still go ahead for the most problematic part. This is fantastic news, we can take a few deep breaths now, and we feel comforted to know that our local authority is still supporting us."