MEADOWLANDS leisure pool was closed for urgent repairs after a section of its roof collapsed while people were swimming.

Last week West Devon was hit by heavy rain and strong winds — and it is believed that the centre’s roof sustained significant structural damage as a result of the bad weather on Saturday, October 26 at approximately 10am.

A section of the building’s roof collapsed next to the toddler pool while a swimming lesson was taking place.

Bishopsmead resident Abi Hawkins said her son George was having the swimming lesson at the time.

‘At about 9.50am George heard a big crash and the pool alarm went off,’ she said.

‘The swimming teachers got all of the children to the edge of the pool and evacuated them into the changing area.

‘George was scared at the time but found it quite exciting afterwards,’added his mum.

‘The roof luckily didn’t land in the pool or near any swimmers.

‘Everybody was safe, evacuation was seamless, couldn’t have been better. It was completely flawless.

‘Big well done to the staff.’

Meadowlands Leisure Centre was taken over by Fusion Lifestyle from 1Life in 2016 and runs the centre on behalf of West Devon Borough Council.

It had recently benefited from a multi-million pound investment which included the creation of a fitness studio and gym, as well as new poolside facilities.

Fusion Lifestyle is a registered charity which means that all of the money it receives is used to enhance and develop services and facilities.

A Fusion Lifestyle spokesperson said after the incident: ‘As a result of the adverse and stormy weather conditions over the weekend, we experienced damage to the pool hall roof.’

The team carried out essential checks and as the Times went to press, the pool was re-opened to the public.

The spokesperson added: ‘We thank you for bearing with us during this period of disruption. We are pleased to announce that the swimming pool has re-opened after a roof survey was completed.

‘The safety and wellbeing of our customers is important to us and we would like to thank our customers for their patience during this time.’

West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for wellbeing Cllr Tony Leech said: ‘We are aware of the situation where a piece of lightweight roof flashing fell into the pool and we are being kept updated by Fusion.

‘Safety is of our utmost concern and we are confident that Fusion have dealt with the matter competently.’