Leisure Centre and Swimming Pools update (Warwick District Council)
Warwick District Council and partners Everyone Active have been preparing for the safe reopening of the district’s leisure centres and swimming pools in the anticipation that government restrictions will be lifted in the next few weeks.
Since all indoor facilities were closed in March, Everyone Active who operate the district’s centres at Newbold Comyn, St Nicholas Park and Abbey Fields have been focusing their efforts on putting the necessary social distancing and extra cleaning and hygiene measures in place to make the facilities COVID-safe for all users once they are permitted to return.
Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger commented;
“Like many members and regular users of our much loved and popular facilities the Council and Everyone Active were extremely disappointed that the leisure centres and gyms were not included in government’s announcement that many hospitality venues and businesses can reopen from 4 July. However, we want to assure local people that as soon as we get the green light we are fully prepared to welcome all of our customers back with their health and safety remaining our top priority”
The severe financial impact of the ongoing closures, strict health and safety protocols and the furloughing of Everyone Active staff has forced the Council to make the decision not to open the outdoor pool at Abbey Fields for the remainder of the summer season.
Councillor Grainger added;
“We have made every effort to see if it would be feasible to open the outdoor pool, but with no set date from the government as to when we can reopen and the implementation of social distancing measures would not make the facility viable for such a short period. We would have normally begun preparing the outdoor pool in April but due to lock down this could not take place, as colleagues were on furlough. We will however be introducing measures to offer a revised programme in the three indoor pools and gyms across the district.”
Further updates on details of reopening will be posted on www.warwickdc.gov.uk and www.everyoneactive.com