LEISURE centre is forced to close over the school holiday due to building works.

Major refurbishment and repair works will be taking place at Tidworth Leisure Centre this summer.

The works are being carried out by Aspire Defence on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), TNB Garrison and Wiltshire Council.

The centre will be closed to the public from Monday, July 23 reopening on Saturday, September 1, when the sports facilities, the library and onsite businesses will reopen.

The swimming pool will remain closed until Friday, October 5.

The closure means Aspire Defence can safely undertake essential upgrades to the building, including installation of a new atrium roof and extensive roof refurbishment, replacement of the heating and hot water systems, and alterations to the pool-side walkways.

A TNB Garrison spokesperson said: “These maintenance works are essential to ensure that Tidworth Leisure Centre can continue to operate safely and that customers benefit from access to a high-quality sports and leisure facility. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and wish to thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

The closure is taking place when numbers using the centre are at their lowest and alternative provision can be provided elsewhere. The planned timings will minimise the risk of delay from adverse weather and the extended timeframe will also enable Aspire Defence to complete several small-scale improvements, therefore avoiding further disruption at any other time.

DIO is working with the onsite businesses to look at relocation and other alternatives during the closure to ensure they are not adversely affected.

During the closure Wiltshire Council will be promoting alternative options for members including use of other local Wiltshire Council facilities, a 25% reduction on membership or an option to freeze membership until the facility reopens.

The Garrison is opening up its Bulford Pool so many of the Wiltshire Council swim school programmes can use the facilities during the closure.

A mobile library will also be available for customers throughout the closed period based at the Tidworth Community Centre and operating times will mirror the current times as closely as possible.