A storm-damaged swimming pool is set to stay closed until 2022.

Tenterden Leisure Centre's pool will not reopen this year after the centre's roof was severely damaged in bad weather.

The centre was shut entirely for the second time in a month on October 19, after more damage was caused to the roof that had already had a section ripped off during a storm on October 3.

While the dry facilities – the gym and group classes will be reopening at the end of November, the cafe will be reopening at weekends only while the pool will stay closed off "in the interests of safety".

Faculty Manager Jordan Garland said that the team were working to reopen as soon as possible following the "significant water ingress" during the storms.

"These decisions have been made in the interests of safety for all. We are in continuous consultation with our partners at Ashford Borough Council and their Contractors, as well as the Tenterden Leisure Centre Trust, and if at all possible, we will reopen sooner," he added.

He also apologised to some customers who had been billed despite the centre remaining closed, and said that any payments would be refunded.

"You will not pay for what you haven't been able to use, full details of refunds, credits and other deductions where relevant will be communicated shortly.

"Sadly, due to the circumstances, staff are not on hand to enable you to contact us about this and we ask that you allow us some time to rectify this for you.

"We understand how important your health, exercise and fitness is, so following discussions with our counterparts at The Maidstone Leisure Trust, they have kindly agreed to provide existing members Swimming, Classes and Gym facilities at Maidstone Leisure free of charge.

"Details about this will be emailed to you over the next few days; unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate this for swimming lessons and although we accept this gesture is not as local as you may wish, we hope it goes some small way to allow you to continue your exercise regimes".

However, some customers have hit out at the gesture, which would involve a 45-minute journey each way from Tenterden town centre, with many saying that they would not be taking it up.

One user said: "This is ridiculous, I feel so sorry for anyone who relies on a swim for health reasons including mental".

Work began in September to remove the centre's roof covering completely and replace it with a more thermally efficient roof, which will also require less maintenance.

The project was scheduled to last 20 weeks, which would have meant completion will be mid-January 2022. It is not known if the recent damage will postpone that deadline.

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden