LITTLEDOWN Centre has announced that the centre and pitches will remain closed until at least Tuesday November 29.

This comes after an electrical fire broke out on the site in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing a power outage.

BH Live said the centre was closed at the time of the fire which occurred at 2.38am in the plant room.

Fire crews from Springbourne, Christchurch, Redhill Park, Westbourne and Ferndown attended the incident, using CO2 extinguishers to put out the fire.

A fire investigation was carried out and revealed the cause to be accidental, due to an electrical fault.

READ MORE: Fire at Littledown Centre in early hours leaves venue without power

Speaking about the centre’s closure, Rob Cunningham, Associate Director of Leisure at BH Live, said: “The centre is currently without power, and all facilities (including the football pitches) are temporarily closed. The car park remains open as usual for permit holders.

“Our team is currently doing all they can, assessing the situation at Littledown and sourcing alternative power. Once this has been installed and tested, we will be able to tell you which services we are able to reopen and when.

“We expect to have another update on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Until then the centre and pitches remain closed. If you have a junior activity or lesson booked we will be in touch with you about your options.

“Where possible please use other centres for gym, classes, activities, swimming and sports. “As part of our multisite membership, alternative facilities are available at Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre, Pelhams and Corfe Mullen (facilities vary at each centre). “Activity, gym and pool timetables are available on the BH Live Active app and bhliveactive.org.uk.

“If you have an urgent question about your membership or a booked activity, please ask us, if possible, when Littledown has reopened. Alternatively, please speak with a member of the team at one of the other centres detailed above.

“Our team is working hard and doing all we can to reopen the centre for you.

“Please do not visit or telephone Littledown at this time. Please visit the website for the latest information.

“On behalf of the BH Live Active team thank you for your patience and understanding.”

BH Live also announced that the Littledown Christmas Market which was due to take place on Sunday, November 27, has been cancelled.

A spokesperson said: “We are very sorry but this Christmas Market event has had to be cancelled as Littledown Centre is temporarily closed.

“We will be contacting all stallholders from tomorrow (Friday, November 25) to discuss options.

“We are very sorry that this cannot go ahead as planned. We know this is a much-anticipated event and lots of planning and preparation has gone into this. We share your disappointment and thank you for your understanding.

“We’ll be in touch with news about next year’s event as soon as we have details.”