Shaw won England's first medal at the 2002 Games (Getty Images)

Gloucester's Commonwealth Games gold medal winning hammer thrower Lorraine Shaw says her athletes are struggling through a lack of training facilities.

The city's Black Bridge track no longer has a safety certificate because it was damaged by flooding.

"I know the council is trying to fix the situation in the next two weeks," Shaw told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"But unfortunately for the throwers, and we've got two that may go to the Olympics, two weeks is a long time."

"So for them, they might need to get their own insurance out so they are able to train, and I think a lot of athletes who are of international standard may have to do the same."

It is a sad situation, but I'm sure it can be resolved Commonweath Games gold medallist Lorraine Shaw

Gloucester and Severn athletics clubs are effectively homeless because of the closure.

Shaw coaches a dozen throwers in different disciplines, and thinks that switching clubs and joining Cheltenham to use the facilities at the Prince of Wales Stadium may not be the answer to those looking to maintain continuity.

"I know for certain parts of the year they're not allowed to throw at all over there, and the nearest track to that is Yate.

"But their cage is only open on a Tuesday and Thursday and Yate Athletics Club use that.

"The jumpers and the throwers are going to find it hard. It is a sad situation, but I'm sure it can be resolved."