Furious residents have hit out as a swimming pool remains shut almost two months after debris was found falling from its newly-repaired roof.

Tenterden Leisure Centre's facility has been closed since the end of November – with centre bosses and council at loggerheads over the continued closure.

It had only reopened in September last year following an 11-month closure, after storms caused extensive damage to the roof.

While originally only predicted to be closed for a week, a full inspection of the roof following the storms in October 2021 led to the near year-long stay.

Following what manager Jordand Garland described as "one of the most challenging periods in the history [of the centre]", the relaunch saw a completely renewed roof installed alongside a refreshed interior, the costs of which have not been revealed.

However, just three months later the facility was once again forced to close after staff found "very small pieces of debris in the pool area".

Consisting of dust, wood flakes and other fragments, the issue has seen the pool closed ever since with contractors visiting to clean up the area and inspect the roof for the source.

The ongoing delays have frustrated residents, with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) revealing it had received a "significant number of complaints from the general public".

A number of members have also expressed their anger over social media, with many taking to Facebook to query the situation.

A spokesman for the council said that it had ruled that the pool was safe to open on December 1 and insisted that any further delays were down to the leisure centre trust.

"This position was confirmed by our chief executive Tracey Kerly at a Tenterden Town Council meeting on Thursday, January 12," they added.

"As ABC is the landlord and insurers for the building this view has been reached with the aid of the appropriate safety checks.

"Ashford Borough Council is very keen to see the swimming pool at Tenterden Leisure Centre re-open as soon as possible and we continue to have dialogue with the Trust and the operator."

One resident said: "It's tedious that the centre management 'wait' for reassurance from ABC. ABC made their position public so the centre should publicly provide an independent report on the work needed to make the roof safe.

"Obviously, it's close to impossible for ABC to prove the absence of something so the Centre must provide evidence of the alleged remaining issue/s.

"To not do so, but at the same time refusing to open, is churlish and entirely unaccountable to the community. Until they do so they don't have my sympathy. I think they should be fired."

However, a statement from the trust said that it had been seeking further reassurance that there was no danger to customer safety.

"We appreciate the frustration of customers, but health and safety remains our primary concern"

A spokesman said: "The ongoing works to replace the roof have suffered several repeating and new problems.

"Consequently, Serco and Tenterden Leisure Centre Trust have sought evidence-based reassurance from Ashford Borough Council that there is no risk to safety.

"To date, Ashford Borough Council has been unable to provide this reassurance or a process that would safeguard public safety. Until this is provided, the Leisure Centre Trust and our operator remain unable to open the pool.

"All parties continue to seek a way forward that does not compromise staff and visitor safety.

"We understand that this news frustrates residents and visitors to Tenterden, but we hope customers recognise that their safety and wellbeing is paramount."

A second member added: "It's such a shame that there is so much anger vented at the centre and the team who work there. They are a great bunch who care about the centre about the local community and want to operate to the highest standards.

"Rather than have a go please give them your support during a difficult time. For them it’s not a swim or gym session it’s their livelihood."

Graham Smith, Trustee of Tenterden Leisure Centre Trust, said: “We can appreciate the frustration of customers and employees on this issue, but health and safety remains our primary concern and we believe further checks are required before we can reopen the pool area.

"As soon as we have been assured that the area in question is safe for people to access, we will update all relevant parties.”