Delays in reopening Wootton Bassett’s leisure centre, which was damaged by fire in December, have been labelled a ‘nightmare’ by the sports clubs that depend on it.

Since part of the Lime Kiln Leisure Centre was destroyed by fire on December 18, local groups, sports clubs and gym users have had to find alternative facilities while repairs are carried out.

Melanie Allsop, secretary for the White Horse Badminton Club, which has about 60 members, described the situation as a ‘nightmare’.

“Our chairman and treasurer went on a rush around Swindon to find somewhere appropriate and we are now playing club nights at Next Generation in Kembrey Park,” she said.

“We want Lime Kiln back as most of our members live in Wootton Bassett.”

DC Leisure, the company running Lime Kiln, has said it will put updates on its website to let users know the situation and when it will reopen.

Members of the management had hoped to see parts of the building, not damaged by fire, open again this month, but that has now been delayed to mid-February.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Tots and Little Kickers Tai Kwon Do club have moved temporarily to Longleaze School. The Rugby Tots aged between two and seven, were training when they were forced to evacuate the sports hall on the day of the fire.

The Otters Swimming Club has also found a temporary home. Mark Hopkins, a swimming coach with the club, said: “We’ve picked the whole club up and moved to Next Generation in Swindon.

“We are not at the same time as we were but we’ve been able to incorporate it.”

The fire-damaged areas include the swimming pool, changing rooms, health suite and main corridor.