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Copthorne: Firefighters tackle large blaze at leisure centre

News imageEddie Mitchell Acorn Health and LeisureEddie Mitchell
The roof of the leisure centre near Crawley is severely damaged

Firefighters have been tackling a large blaze at a leisure centre in West Sussex.

The roof of Acorns Health and Leisure in Copthorne Road, Copthorne, has been severely damaged.

A total of 100 firefighters and 14 fire engines were deployed from both East and West Sussex and Surrey after reports of the fire came in at 07:20 BST on Sunday.

There were no reported casualties. The road was closed in both directions.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokesperson said they had made "steady progress" in putting out the fire.

Dave Bray, area manager, said it was a "significant incident".

He said: "Initial investigations suggest the fire hasn't started from the weather. It appears to have started within the building."

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Peter Joad lives one road away from the leisure centre.

He said: "It's very concerning, especially with the woods being so close. It's only going to take a spark and it will turn into a major situation."

Nicola Flint said she uses the centre every week.

She said: "We're such a big community and it's just really sad that we won't be able to go up there and have our usual Friday nights. It's really upsetting."

Resident Lauren Beale added: "It's horrific. It's really quite sad."

A statement from the leisure centre said: "Sadly our beloved Acorns Health & Leisure Club is on fire and clearly won't be operational in the short term.

"We will update you more as soon as we can."

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