Urgent calls have been made for investment in the Orchard Leisure Centre as the list of faults at the Armagh facility grows ever longer.
And Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council should not use its desire for a new leisure centre as an excuse to simply “neglect” the long-serving city venue.
The calls and comments came after a meeting on site.
Sinn Féin councillor John Óg O’Kane has said that the council must “urgently invest in maintaining” the Orchard Leisure Centre.
He met staff at the leisure centre for an update on the issues at the site.
“The current state of the leisure centre is unacceptable,” he said afterwards. “Ratepayers deserve access to a leisure centre that is fit for purpose.
“This week I met with senior staff at the leisure centre for an update on issues at the site.
“It was good to hear that the issues with the spin room have now been resolved and it should now be back to normal service.
“However, the issues with the steam room are still to be resolved and they are currently waiting on works to begin on repairs on leaks in the roof.
“While the Orchard Leisure Centre is an older facility, the council must not use this – or their ambition for a new facility – as an excuse to neglect it.
“The people of Armagh should not be forced to accept second class leisure facilities and Sinn Féin are determined to fight for proper services and facilities in the Orchard Leisure Centre.”
A spokesperson for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said: “The Council is currently reviewing options in relation to the Orchard Leisure Centre, until a decision is made regarding the future of the site, the Council has and will continue to invest in ongoing maintenance works, to ensure the building complies with all statutory and operational requirements.”
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