Sands Centre to remain closed to allow for the safe removal of damaged canopy The Sands Centre, Carlisle, will remain closed for up to a further ten days to allow work to be safely carried out on the temporary canopy which was damaged on Friday 24 January. The temporary canopy had been installed as part of the RAAC replacement of the Sands’ auditorium roof and was damaged as a result of the strong winds from Storm Eowyn. The Sands Centre and Swifts car parks will both remain closed. The closure also affects any NHS services that are provided at the centre. Patients will be contacted by the NHS direct. A council spokesperson said: “We apologise for the continued closure of the Sands Centre, but this is to ensure the safety of the public which remains our top priority. “Work to assess the damage to the canopy and remove it has been happening throughout the weekend with specialists on site making good progress since Friday. This work will continue into the week ahead. We have considered alternative arrangements which would allow the reopening of the leisure centre – such as using alternative entrances for the public – but it is not possible to do this safely. “By keeping the centre closed to the public the work to remove the canopy can continue as rapidly as possible, large machinery can move around the site more easily, and we can ensure the safety of the public from items that will be carried overhead. “We shall provide further updates on the reopening of the Sands Centre as soon as we are able.” Anyone with queries about classes or memberships should contact Better on 01228 633766 or look at the Better website at: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cumberland/the-sands-leisure-centre

Due to the impact of Storm Éowyn, The Sands Centre, Carlisle is closed today (Friday 24 January). The high winds have caused damage to the temporary canopy installed as part of the RAAC replacement on the Sands’ auditorium roof. The centre has been closed today and tomorrow (Saturday 25 January) and the damage is being assessed. The Sands Centre and Swifts car parks have both closed. Do not return to vehicles if you are parked in these car parks until you are advised it is safe to do so. Newmarket Road has been closed and a Police corden is place. We will provide updates as soon as they are available.

Update on Sands Centre (11. 40am) Due to the impact of Storm Éowyn, The Sands Centre, Carlisle is closed today (Friday 24 January). The high winds have caused damage to the temporary canopy installed as part of the RAAC replacement on the Sands’ auditorium roof. The centre will also remain closed on Saturday 25 January as the assessment of the damage continues. As a precautionary measure, a decision has been made to temporarily close the pedestrian and cyclist use of Eden Bridge, Memorial Bridge (leading into Rickerby Park) and all other routes into Rickerby Park to minimise risk. The Sands Centre and Swifts car parks both remain closed. Do not return to vehicles if you are parked in these car parks until you are advised it is safe to do so. Newmarket Road has been closed and a Police cordon is place. We will provide updates as soon as they are available.

🌪️ Important Update: Storm Eowyn 🌪️ Due to the impact of Storm Eowyn, your local HWRC (Household Waste Recycling Centre) may be closed or likely to close at short notice for safety reasons. ⚠️ To avoid unnecessary trips, please do not travel to the site today. Stay safe, and check for updates before planning your visit.

Due to a power outage in the Brampton area, Talkin Tarn Country Park is closed today (Friday 24 January). We are starting to see the impact of the strong winds from Storm Éowyn with a Met Office Amber weather warning in place for much of the day. Partners and agencies across Cumbria are working together on the response. Stay safe and please follow the advice not to travel unless necessary.

Storm Éowyn update We will soon be closing the Richardson Street entrance to Carlisle Cemetery’s grounds. This is due to the impact of Storm Éowyn. The grounds will be open for funerals only. Cremations will carry on as planned.