More leisure centres across Cornwall reopen for first time since March
It is thanks to a supplier relief package agreed by Cornwall Council
More leisure centres across Cornwall have finally reopened for the first time since lockdown restrictions were brought in back in March.
Thanks to a supplier relief package agreed by Cornwall Council, Wadebridge, Launceston, Saltash and St Ives leisure centres, Ships & Castles in Falmouth and Bude, Helston and Liskeard swimming pools are again welcoming customers.
Launceston swimming pool is undergoing essential maintenance but will also re-open as soon as work is completed.
The centres are operated by GLL, a leisure social enterprise provider that runs thirteen leisure facilities on behalf of Cornwall Council.
The organisation opened eight centres and three swimming pools on 25th July but couldn’t afford to open everything without funding assistance following substantial losses during the four months of closure.
“We’re absolutely delighted that we’re back in operation. Covid restrictions mean that our capacity is reduced as strict social distancing rules and cleaning protocols clearly have to apply. People can be confident that our safety measures are very stringent - with plenty of space for them to do their workouts and enjoy their swimming. Keeping fit and healthy has never been more important and, judging by the numbers of bookings today, customers are as glad as we are to be back.”
James Curry, GLL
27 out of the 30 available places for St Ives first swimming pool session had been taken and local resident Lesley Thomas said she was very happy to be back in the gym.
“I’ve been a member for the last ten years and really missed not being able to come,” she said. “I just hope as many people as possible support the centre in the weeks and months ahead. We can’t just take facilities like these for granted – they have to be used.”
The vast majority of the funding from Cornwall Council has been in the form of a loan but joint Council, GLL and local authority lobbying is continuing for an urgent financial rescue package from the Government.
However the long-term future of leisure provision in Cornwall and the rest of the UK remains uncertain because of continued Covid restrictions and safety measures impacting on people visiting leisure centres.
Cornwall Council is launching a strategic review of leisure facilities provision across Cornwall over the next twelve months to look at changes to the way residents are using leisure centres as a result of the pandemic and how to ensure provision is meeting community needs and achieving best value for money.
Cllr Eathorne-Gibbons, Cabinet Member with oversight of the leisure agreement between the Council and GLL, said: “I am delighted Cornwall’s leisure centres are all open and the main reason we have agreed this financial package of more than £6m is to help and encourage our residents to keep active, fit and healthy.
“St Ives Leisure Centre has had a busy start to its reopening with many swimmers and gym users returning to take up the fantastic facilities which are offered with strict Covid-secure measures in place.
“But the long-term future of our leisure centres is uncertain and some tough operational decisions still need to be made. We need Government to provide urgent funding for leisure provision and to safeguard our centres for community health and wellbeing.
“We thank everyone who is going back to using their leisure centres and please continue to show your support for your leisure centre.”
All leisure centre visitors and pool users need to pre-book their sessions online.