Stalham Sports Centre Closes After Wiring Problems Unearthed

Owing to the discovery of problems with electrical cabling Stalham Sports Centre at Stalham High School will be closed for indefinite period as from today, Friday 9 February.

School improvement building work has revealed significant electrical problems where cabling has suffered rodent damage. Because of this it will not be possible to provide effective lighting within the Sports Hall and as a result the safety of users would be at risk.

However, the bar will remain open, as will the changing rooms, and outdoor pitches are still available for activities that can take place in the open air. The school assembly hall is being made available for birthday parties and limited indoor activities that have been booked over the half-term period.

Nick Baker, Strategic Director for North Norfolk District Council, which runs the Sports Centre for the use of the wider community outside school time, said, "It's very disappointing to have to close the sports hall, but I'm afraid it's outside our control and we mustn't put the safety of users at risk.

"However, I'm pleased that we have been able to work very quickly with the high school, Mansells, who are the main contractors for the on-going improvement work and Norfolk Property Services who are overseeing that work on behalf of Norfolk County Council, to identify alternative areas for most of the activities, although I am afraid that some users will be disappointed.

"All the off-site coaching sessions run by centre staff will continue as usual as well, but it's not possible to say at this early stage just how long it will be before we can reopen the sports hall itself. We will let users know just as soon as we know ourselves."

• For further information contact Stalham Sports Centre 01692 580864