Broken gym door lock leaves 300 Cologne athletes in limbo for weeks
Members of the Köln-Poll 1904 Gymnastics Club have faced weeks of disruption after a broken door lock halted training. The issue at the GGS Poller Hauptstraße sports hall has left around 300 athletes without access. A temporary solution is now in place, but a permanent fix remains delayed. The problem began over three weeks ago when the panic exit device on an emergency door failed. The city of Cologne responded by installing a temporary lock, allowing the door to function normally for now. However, the club's board has raised concerns about its suitability for emergency evacuations.
A full repair requires replacing the entire lock mechanism, and a specialist company has been hired for the job. The necessary part, a new panic exit device, was ordered immediately but has yet to arrive due to supply shortages. Club chairwoman Ute Ahn explained that leaving the door open during sessions is not feasible, citing safety and security risks. The sports hall serves a wide range of users, from children to seniors. With the replacement part now expected this week, installation will follow as soon as it is delivered.
The temporary lock has restored partial access, but the club awaits the permanent repair. Once the new device is fitted, normal training can resume for all members. The delay has highlighted the challenges of sourcing critical safety equipment.
