Raft of health and safety hazards revealed at Ross Peers Sports Centre in Soham

Evidence has emerged of serious health and safety hazards at a sports centre in Soham that highlighted a “hole in the floor”, changing rooms in “poor condition” and a cupboard with storage in a “hap-hazard manner”.

The visit was carried out at the Ross Peers Sports Centre by officers at East Cambs District Council on May 24.

Copies of letters and photos addressed to the chairperson of Soham & District Sports Association came from a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) request responses to East Cambs District Council.

It follows an unspecified accident that happened at the centre, based in College Close, which led to a complaint to the council.

The letters set out a raft of safety issues including five carbon dioxide cylinders that were “not adequately secured” and “rucked and taped up” carpet.

“I remind you that it is your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your employees and other people, such as members of the public, who may be affected by the way you run your business,” the officer states.

“The following was noted: There was a hole in the floor in the passage way heading towards the gym at the entrance to the door.

“The joins to the matting coverage the old squash court floor were in poor condition.

“The floor to the ladies changing room was in poor condition as well as the gentleman’s changing room between the shower and the changing area.

“Five carbon dioxide cylinders in the cleaning cupboard were not adequately secured as no chain/strap was provided. You need to ensure that gas cylinders in use are adequately secured in an upright position.”

It was also warned that two of the legs at the bottom of a slide in the hall, the green foot pad and numerous edges of mats were in “poor repair and condition” and could not be “adequately cleaned and disinfected” so must be exposed.

The cupboard in the spinning bike room was also “full of various items being stored in a hap-hazard manner”.

“The retrieval of items from this room would not be able to be undertaken safely,” the letter adds.

“Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained.”

A further investigation was arranged for June 11 to look at documentation and management of the site.

It requested the actions that had been taken in to ensure compliance with the items detailed in the letter from May.

East Cambs District Council was contacted by the Ely Standard for a comment.