Flood-damaged GLL Link Centre a 'disaster' for Swindon

The leisure centre has been closed since 18 September, when water from flash flooding damaged much of the building, including the power control room

The operator of Swindon's flood-hit GLL Link Centre says it is doing everything it can to get it back open.

The centre is still closed after being flooded on 18 September.

Barnaby Rich, from operator GLL, said: "This is a disaster for the people of Swindon. I'm hearing all their frustration."

It is hoped the gym, soft play and trampoline park can open in November, but the swimming pool and ice rink will take longer.

Barnaby Rich is from the centre's operator GLL and said he knew that this is a "disaster for the people of Swindon"

Swindon's ice hockey team, the Wildcats, has started training in Bristol instead, and are hoping to use the ice rink there for home games too.

The team's managing director Steve Nell said it is a "disappointment", but that he is optimistic.

"We still think we can have a good season,'' he said.

"It does put us in jeopardy. It is going to cost us a lot of money.

The centre's ice rink will need a lot of work to get it running again

"We're focused on just surviving, one way or another, if we need to tighten our belts, then that's what we'll do. We're just going to keep going."

Rich Smith runs Tiger Sharks swimming club from the centre, and has had to quickly find other pools to use.

"It's a difficult time for us. It's eight hours we've lost at the Link Centre,'' he said.

"To try and get those back across various pools in Swindon is very difficult.

"Either pool space is full already and there's a site that just doesn't want a swimming club in so we're having to widen the area to get pool space elsewhere.

"Luckily we've been able to get pool time at Bath University and I've emailed Wantage."

The club's autumn open meet this weekend looked like it would need to be cancelled, but Oxford has offered the use of their pool.

Councillor Jim Grant has said that operator GLL are "doing the right thing"

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure, Jim Grant said: "GLL are doing the right thing.

"They are talking to their members about other provision. I just sympathise with everyone this has affected."