Three huge cranes are due to start repairing the wind-damaged roof at Epsom Downs Racecourse later this week its managing director has announced.

Rupert Trevelyan put out a statement this afternoon announcing the plans and confirming that events will continue to be staged at the Queen's Stand, despite the cancellation of the Wedding Fair there yesterday. Mr Trevelyan said: “Epsom Downs racecourse are pleased to report that repair work to The Duchess’s Stand roof will commence later this week.

Three tower cranes will be used to allow access to the damaged area, which will be repaired and made waterproof.

Alongside this a survey will be undertaken to determine exactly what caused the damage to the roof.

Whilst this work is undertaken the Duchess’s Stand is deemed to be a construction area and therefore no access to the public is permitted, however, events will continue to be staged in the Queen’s Stand.”

He added: “Epsom Downs would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the necessary road closures that were enforced by the emergency services last week.”

Following a clean-up operation involving external contractors and Epsom Downs staff, the area surrounding the racecourse has now been cleared of debris and roof insulation which had been scattered for miles by severe winds.

Work to repair the damaged roof is expected to take no more than a week, subject to weather conditions.