New gym still closed after water leak

10:03am Wednesday 27th August 2008

A STATE-of-the-art leisure centre gym remains closed after a serious leak.

Water poured through the ceiling of the multi-million pound Edmonton Leisure Centre, which only opened last year, into the health and fitness suite.

The source of the problem was later found to be a washing machine in one of the flats above the centre.

Staff have set up a temporary gym in the sports hall and it is hoped the facilities will reopen within two weeks, although this can not be guaranteed.

Centre manager Sean McQuaid said: “This is such a shame for the people who regularly use the fitness suite.

“They can use any centre in the borough but we have made special arrangements with the Aspire Centre based at Edmonton County Lower School, off Church Street, to open daily from 9am.”

Enfield councillor Jon Kaye, cabinet member for leisure, culture and Olympics, added: “Everyone is working as quickly as possible to get the fitness suite back in use, but it may take some time.

“Our first job is to ensure safety and to put in place temporary arrangements for local users.”

Dehumidifiers have been set up in the health and fitness suite to start the drying out process, and once the area is dry all the electrics in the room will be checked to ensure they are safe and working.

The equipment manufacturer is testing every piece of fitness equipment to see what will need replacing or repair.

Members of the public wishing to take an early morning work out should instead contact Southbury or Southgate Leisure Centres.

For more information about Edmonton or other borough facilities people can call Edmonton Leisure Centre on 8375 3750 (choose option nine).