Town chiefs have raised fears about the future of a well-used leisure centre opened by the late Diana, Princess of Wales in 1988.

Eastern Daily Press: ROYAL FAMILYPRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASHMAY 1988PRINT C2121NEG B05318-19AROYAL FAMILYPRINCESS DIANA VISIT TO SHERINGHAM SPLASHMAY 1988PRINT C2121NEG B05318-19A

Town and district councillors and the chamber of trade and commerce from Sheringham claim the town's Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre is coming to the end of its life and needs investment.

A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council, which owns the Weybourne Road building, said the authority had signed a five year extension contract ending in 2019 with Places for People Leisure to continue managing the centre.

When it opened the building was given a lifespan of 25-30 years – it is now 26-years-old.

Town councillor Doug Smith said at a council meeting: 'We all know it is on its last legs but we need to retain the facility.'

He added the structure of the building was rotting and the machinery that operates the swimming pool was failing.

The council spokesman said the building was structurally sound but some areas needed attention including a refurbishment of the slide, which is currently under way, and repairs to the roof, which will be done by the council early next year.

She added: 'There are a number of long term options available to the council, including potential refurbishment to varying degrees or indeed, a full rebuild.'

The Splash will be part of a district council review into indoor sports facilities across north Norfolk, which could go out to consultation in May next year.

Richard Smith, Sheringham district councillor, said: 'The Splash is definitely near the end of its life and we need a decision on it.'

Andy Bullen, secretary of Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said the Splash was an important part of the town's tourism industry.

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