EA Networks Centre is preparing for its annual maintenance phase, with work starting on the splash deck on Tuesday 10 January.

Council's People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said the splash deck area of the leisure pool would be closed for a few days while water toys and features were replaced, however the leisure pool itself, the lap pool and toddler pools would all remain open.

“We’ll have the splash deck area fenced off for about a week and we’ll be fitting some very cool new water equipment.”

The road and drop-off area directly in front of the centre’s main doors and café outdoor entrance will also be closed for two weeks from Monday 16 January, while contractors make some safety improvements to kerbing after trip hazards were identified. The driveway off River Terrace and the car park area are not affected.

“We are also putting in new bollards, but there will be pedestrian access through the work area at all times for people using the centre.”

The stadium area will close temporarily for full floor resanding from Monday 23 January.

Ms Mosley said the stadium was a high-use part of the facility and the floor would be sanded to remove marks and scratches. Lines will be restored.

“This work will take two weeks, so we expect to have the courts open again on Tuesday 7 February. The stadium is a pretty busy space when it comes to organised sport, so we have chosen to do this work at the quietest time.”

Those playing summer league netball will be amongst the first on the new surface when their competition starts mid-February.

The centre’s holiday programme for 5-13 year olds begins on 9 January and staff are also supervising activities and swimmers at the Tinwald outdoor pool, which is open 12pm-7pm daily throughout January.