Doubts still over leisure centre damaged in fire

The fire at the Abbey Leisure Centre in Selby in February is believed to have started in the sauna.

Fitness classes have been transferred to nearby Selby Park since the blaze.

It was initially feared that the building would have to be demolished. But council chiefs have said they remain hopeful the centre can be repaired subject to final engineering reports.

A council spokesman yesterday told the Yorkshire Post that the future of the building was still “undecided”.

Meanwhile, Selby District Council hopes to open a temporary fitness centre in the former Walkers Bingo hall in the town by the end of next month.

The council says the newly purchased site in Portholme Crescent would contain the same standard of equipment as formerly housed at the Abbey Leisure gym, which was subject to a £1m refurbishment in 2010.

The Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, which ran the centre on behalf of the council, is also offering fitness classes at other locations across the Selby area.