'Prison yard' security fencing put up around Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre after vandalism

Work is almost complete on new security fencing around the sides and rear of Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre.

The green mesh fencing, which stands at more than two metres tall, has been referred to as 'prison-like' by commenters on social media, unsure why it's being erected.

This is the state 'eyesore' lesiure centre is in

Speculation that the fencing is linked to recent vandalism at the centre has been confirmed by South Ribble Borough Council, who run the facility off Brindle Road.

A spokesman said: "New fencing is being installed as part our raft of improvements to the site. Enhanced security measures are being added including CCTV and security fencing which are ready to be installed on site."

When the Post visited, large sections of poolside windows were boarded up, and locals say there have been several reports of youths climbing onto the roof.

Improvements

Visitors to the centre and the adjacent Bamber Bridge Sports Hub have recently commented on the appearance of the leisure centre, which was built in 1982 and looks virtually unchanged in decades.

They have commented on it being dirty, overgrown and making a bad impression to visitors to the recently-opened sports hub.

The council said it is committed to improving the site.

Councillor Clare Hunter, Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Wellbeing said “We are very pleased that our green flag award-winning Withy Grove Park is so popular with local residents, along with Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre and Sports Hub on site.  “Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre is currently undergoing the £13million decarbonisation and modernisation programme spread across the four South Ribble Leisure Centres, while the £2.6million new Sports Hub was completed earlier this year. “From speaking to local residents, security on site was a concern, and the leisure centre has on occasion been the target of vandalism. To prevent this we are constructing a security fence and installing a new CCTV system on site. “We are proud to be investing in the borough’s leisure facilities at a time when many councils are doing the opposite.”