A leisure centre was forced to temporarily close after travellers “made a mess” inside the facility.

White Horse Leisure Centre on Audlett Drive in Abingdon closed after an incident on Tuesday afternoon (June 21).

A group of travellers are believed to have been aggressive to leisure staff at the site before police moved them on.

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Jacky Smith posted in the community group Abingdon on Thames and said: “Just wanted to say how sad it is the leisure centre has had to close tonight due to the traveller’s making a mess inside and getting aggressive.”

She added: “Poor staff feeling are bad for all the children missing their swimming lessons.”

Thames Valley Police confirmed they did attend the incident of public order in Audlett Drive on June 21 at around 4pm.

Police officers said they attended and those involved were moved on.

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The White Horse Leisure Centre has since confirmed this morning in a service update that it has reopened today for all its activities.

A spokesperson for Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Our Leisure provider Better UK was advised by Thames Valley Police to close the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre early yesterday as customers and staff were unable to access the building safely.”

 “We apologise for any inconvenience this caused but the safety of customers and staff is a priority.

“We’d like to thank the leisure centre team for dealing with a very challenging situation and Thames Valley Police for their support.”

Read more from this author

This story was written by Rebecca Whittaker, she joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Rebecca covers education and news in Abingdon and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Rebecca.Whittaker@newquest.co.uk or calling 07824524333

Follow her on Twitter @RebecWhitt

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