A leisure centre has shut for the summer holidays because of staff shortages.
Gateshead Council said the decision to temporarily close Heworth Leisure Centre had not been taken lightly, but doing so reduced the risk that its other leisure facilities will need to close at short notice.
In a statement, the council said: “The health and safety of our customers is our first priority and unfortunately, due to staff vacancies, sickness and leave entitlement, we simply do not have enough team members available to operate all of our leisure centres safely throughout the summer.”
The centre is closed for eight weeks, during which time the council will carry out essential repairs and maintenance to improve the experience of customers using the facilities when they reopen.