Repairs to a swimming pool which had its roof ripped off during Storm Angus last month are due to start this weekend.

Hythe Pool was closed by Shepway District Council immediately after the damage was reported.

Work will begin on fixing the roof this weekend with the pool due to reopen in January, the council announced today.

The work will start on Sunday with the council penning in the reopening date as Monday, January 23.

A council spokesman said: "We have had to carry out extensive investigations into the damage caused to the new roof by Storm Angus in order to make sure that such extreme weather does not cause further problems in the future.

"Scaffolding will have to be put up both inside and outside the pool over the Christmas period so the roof repairs can start in January.

"The council’s insurers are satisfied that the damage was caused by the storm and will be meeting the cost of repairs."

SDC is planning to build a replacement swimming pool in Hythe as part of a controversial development on Princes Parade.

It was revealed earlier this year the council is estimating it will have to spend £1 million on maintenance to keep the current pool open until a new centre is built.

The pool was closed for nearly three months over the summer while work to the roof costing £170,000 was carried out.