A public swimming pool has been forced to close after Storm Angus tore through part of its roof.

The 40-year-old Hythe Swimming Pool in South Road underwent major and essential repair work in the summer, which meant that it was closed to the public.

It re-opened on Monday, October 3 when the work had finished, just seven weeks after a brand new roof was installed.

Thousands of pounds were used from the public purse in a bid to prolong the building’s life.

But overnight on Saturday, strong gusts swept through the district causing a gaping hole to form in the newly-replaced roof.

Its debris was seen on the floor next to the building.

The pool is set to be closed for the rest of this week, at least, which has meant that swimming lessons have also been cancelled.

A spokesman for Shepway District Council said: “The roof has been recently installed.

“The roof manufacturers have been notified and are expected on site shortly to assess the cause of the failure.

“Our insurers have also been informed.

“Our officers are on site carrying out their own investigations.

“We will release more information to the public when we have it.

“The pool will remain closed until we can get the roof reinstated, which we aim to do as soon as possible.”