Damage caused by Storm Imogen has left the King Alfred swimming pool closed – possibly until the end of the week.
Part of the roof felt was lifted by the high winds this morning (Monday 8 February).
Leisure centre bosses hope that they will be able to reopen the “dry side” tomorrow (Tuesday 9 February).
Bizarrely, Sussex Police closed the promenade – upwind of the strong wind – and diverted people on to the more dangerous north and east sides of the building.
The force said that it took the decision for “operational reasons” but could not explain why.
Officers at the scene initially blamed East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service but the fire service said that it was definitely a police decision.
The high winds also damaged the David Lloyd Leisure building at Brighton Marina.
The fire service sent crews to two premises in Brighton and Hove between 4pm and 5pm to deal with dangers and damage resulting from Storm Imogen.
The fire service said: “Residents are being warned to tether their trampoline as one was located in a dangerous position in Port Hall Street, Brighton.
“Cladding on a roof was reported to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service as being in a dangerous position at a property in Newtown Road, Hove. A crew attended to make the area safe.”
Fire crews attended half a dozen other similar callouts during the afternoon including one close to the King Alfred.
The fire service said: “Firefighters attended an incident involving a dangerous structure, namely felt, in Courtenay Terrace, Hove.
“Firefighters attended a reported dangerous structure of a sign over the road in South Coast Road, Peacehaven.
“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended Windlesham Court, Portslade, following reports of an unstable wall.
“Firefighters were called to Windlesham Close, Portslade, following reports of a wall collapse.
“Attended a property in North Street, Brighton, following reports of a dangerous structure, namely a shop sign.
“Dangerous structure attended by fire service in Steyning Avenue, Peacehaven.
“Firefighters were sent to Pevensey Road, Brighton, to make the area safe after reports of a dangerous structure of a window 3ft by 4ft.
“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was mobilised to North Street, Portslade, following reports of a dangerous structure, namely metal sheeting. Firefighters were called upon to make the area safe.
“Firefighters were sent to Mill Drive, in Hove, following reports of unstable tiles from roof. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called upon to make the area safe.”
