On with the show

Standing water: Woodford leisure centre as seen during the height of the flood

After days of battling against flood damage many of the council’s services are re-opening their doors to the public.

Workers from theatres, halls, museums and leisure centres have been doing everything in their power to make sure buildings they work in are open to the public, as well as helping out with the humanitarian assistance at the city’s rest centres.
“After several days of dealing with flood damage and supporting the recovery efforts of the council, we are pleased to say the majority of facilities are operating normally,” said Simon Green, head of operations for museums.
“Although the flooding affected Starlight Express, the New Theatre, with exception of the stalls bar, is now back in business.”
There is repair work needed at both Ennerdale Leisure Centre and Costello Stadium, but both are open for business.
At the time of going to print, Woodford Leisure centre was closed pending assessment of the damage to the property. Leisure card holders at Woodford will be contacted with details of alternative arrangements being made for them.
“Whilst we regret closing Woodford Leisure Centre to the public, we have done so in the best interests of customer safety and wellbeing,” said Cllr Kalvin Neal, who has responsibility for quality of life in the city.

Cemetery update

The bereavement services team has been monitoring the conditions at all the cemeteries and clearing away debris, meaning some of them are now open to visitors.
Hedon Road, Eastern and Northern cemeteries are open for visiting but not for burials. Visitors should not enter cordoned off areas and are advised to take care as the ground is very soggy. At the time of going to press, Western Cemetery was closed to enable the clearing of debris and to make it safe.
The crematorium in Chanterlands Avenue is open but the Remembrance Garden is closed because of flooding.
“We apologise for the distress caused to the bereaved at such a difficult time and will be open for burials as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Norma Cottis, crematorium manager.
“We advise that people wanting to visit cemeteries call us first for an update as the situation is changing daily.”

For up to date information on the cemeteries call Bereavement Services on 300300.