Repairs to Great Yarmouth's Marina Centre following the gales are being delayed and made more expensive by the discovery of hazardous asbestos.Specialist contractors are being called in to deal with the substance which was exposed when fascia panels were ripped from the 1981-built leisure centre by high winds last week.

Repairs to Great Yarmouth's Marina Centre following the gales are being delayed and made more expensive by the discovery of hazardous asbestos.

Specialist contractors are being called in to deal with the substance which was exposed when fascia panels were ripped from the 1981-built leisure centre by high winds last week.

It means the tropical leisure pool, which closed immediately on the grounds of public safety, will stay shut for at least another

two weeks, disappointing thousands of trippers heading to the resort for Easter.

Environmental services manager for the borough council Simon Mutten said architects were assessing the scale of the damage but stressed that all other facilities at the centre remained open.

“As well as pulling off some of the panels exposing the roof void above the swimming pool, damage was also caused to adjacent panels,” he said. “Asbestos was involved in the construction of the Marina and some of that has been exposed and we need to treat it carefully.”

“An initial inspection by our architects department has recommended inspection of adjacent panelling.”

Marie Hartley, chief executive of the Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust, which manages the council-owned centre said: “We would like to reassure the public that the trust is working closely with the council and the contractors to remedy the repairs as quickly as possible and minimise disruption to our customers.

“However, the pool is likely to remain closed for a further two-week period. We will keep the public duly informed on progress”.

Graham Plant, cabinet member for regeneration and tourism said: “We will endeavour to ensure the pool opens as soon as possible and we apologise for the undoubted inconvenience and disappointment this will cause, particularly with Easter approaching.

“Although the pool is closed, other facilities in the Marina remain open and staff look forward to welcoming families and all users throughout the Easter holidays.”

The section of promenade behind the Marina Centre has also been temporarily fenced off pending the repairs. Scaffolding was being put up this week,

with sheeting to contain asbestos and protect workers from the

elements.

Mr Mutten said the cost of repairs could be claimed

for under the council's insurance but that the trust would need to make a separate claim for loss of revenue.