Community waits for news on pool & leisure centre reopening

LOCAL swimmers and fitness enthusiasts are waiting for news about when Westbury Swimming Pool and Leighton Recreation Centre will re-open.

It follows news from the Government earlier this month that  indoor gyms, sports facilities and pools can reopen from this Saturday, 25th July. 

However, whilst Places Leisure – who have the contract from Wiltshire Council to manage the Westbury facilities – has welcomed the news, it remains unclear when the centres will reopen.

In a public statement, Places Leisure said, “Places Leisure welcomes the announcement regarding the re-opening of leisure facilities.

“We are working hard with our local authority partners on our re-opening plans which will follow government and public health guidance, along with support from the fitness industry trade body ukactive, to make sure our customers and colleagues can return safely. 

“We will be in touch with customers directly regarding the opening dates for each individual leisure centre, as well as the safety measures our centres will have in place.”

In preparation for the reopening of its leisure centres, Places Leisure has produced a video for its customers, explaining some of the changes they have made to ensure visitors can exercise safely.

The video explains that Places Leisure has ‘added relevant safety measures’ and introduced ‘extensive cleaning processes throughout’ and that gyms, exercise classes and lane swimming will be the first facilities to be reopened.

Customers will be asked to come dressed for their activity, and to use the Places Locker app or the Places Leisure website to book their session in advance.

Signs will be present around the centre to remind visitors of the importance of social distancing, and the number of people taking part in group exercise classes will be smaller restricted.

Hand sanitising stations will be available, and in the gym, users will be asked to wipe down equipment before and after use

Also in the gym, equipment will be repositioned or out of use to allow for a safe distance between users – and they have assured gym users that there will be enough equipment to ensure users have a ‘great workout’.

To view the video, visit the website: www.placesleisure.org/business-response-july-2020

Both Places Leisure and Wiltshire Council were approached for comment.