Leisure site shut due to high levels of methane
A leisure centre which stands on a former landfill site has been forced to close due to the discovery of unusually high levels of methane gas in the air around it.
Work is now under way to alleviate the problem which will see Huncote leisure centre closed until November 26.
The centre was built in the 1980s on land which had previously been used for landfill.
According to Blaby District Council, the problem came to light when upgrade work on the monitoring and venting systems was carried out.
A spokesman for the council said the levels were higher than expected and, because of how close the site was to the building, the decision was made to temporarily close the facility. He said the closure was precautionary.
People who live next to the site are also being advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Additional venting systems are being installed in the field next to the centre to alleviate the problem.
Originally, the site was expected to reopen on Friday, but the council identified other areas of concern and will need to carry out work on them as well.
Some trees and vegetation are likely to be removed, but the council said they will be replaced once the work is completed.
Councillor Terry Richardson, leader of Blaby District Council, said: “The safety of our residents and leisure centre users is paramount to us.
“That is why we have decided to close the centre based on the advice of the contractors carrying out this work.
“We will work closely with our contractors to reduce the landfill gas levels and ensure that, once the mitigation work is complete and the area is completely safe, the leisure centre will once again open for the public to enjoy.”
A council spokesman said: “We want to reassure residents we are continually monitoring and measuring the levels of gas and that no additional gas has been released because of these works, and residential properties are not directly affected.”
Anyone who uses the fitness centre will be able to use Enderby leisure centre at no extra cost until Huncote is reopened.
GAS ESCAPING FROM LANDFILL ON WHICH CENTRE BUILT