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The Strand Leisure Pool forced to shut after yobs get in and have pool party

13:49, 12 June 2021

updated: 19:35, 12 June 2021

Drunken yobs gained entry to a popular attraction and left smashed glass in its swimming pool - forcing it to close today.

Bookings made at the Strand Leisure Pool in Gillingham were cancelled this morning after revellers enjoyed a "pool party" last night.

Yobs forced entry to The Strand swimming pool. Picture: Steve Crispe
Yobs forced entry to The Strand swimming pool. Picture: Steve Crispe

Police were called to the incident at 9.36pm following a report of people trespassing and being seen in the swimming pool.

Officers found five people in the water, who were asked to leave.

One visitor found dozens of nitrous oxide cannisters - also known as laughing gas - dumped in the car park this morning.

A Medway Council spokesperson said: “Last night, someone gained access by climbing over the wall - and then hammer and chiselled the padlock to the door.

"We’re assuming some more people got in. There were smashed bottles in the pool so we weren’t able to open this morning."

Laughing gas cannisters were also left at The Strand. Picture: Gary Norman
Laughing gas cannisters were also left at The Strand. Picture: Gary Norman

But staff have been working hard to clear the mess up and the pool is reopening at 2.30pm this afternoon.

"Anyone who came this morning can book next weekend with priority booking or get a full refund," they added.

A police spokesperson confirmed they were called to the report of trespassing.

"Officers attended and five people were found in the water," they said.

"They were directed to leave the area and officers made the premise secure.

"No criminal damage or other offences were found to have been committed."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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