Future of Cornwall's leisure centres remains 'very uncertain' as they prepare to reopen
Bosses say it's vital they can get going again from April
The boss of Cornwall's leisure centres say they have a vital role to play in our communities, as they prepare to re-open.
But there is currently no certainty on dates.
Under the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown plan, outdoor sports, including tennis and outdoor fitness classes, might resume from 29 March if official guidelines permit.
Gyms and indoor swimming pools will reopen from 12 April subject to government confirmation, with restricted programmes in place, but soft play, indoor hospitality and trampolining will not be possible until at least 17 May.
Provider GLL, which runs 13 leisure centres across Cornwall, has been closed for 249 days over the last year with no income.
Bosses say the future still remains very uncertain, with the funding set to run out in July.
"It's frustrating for everyone concerned not to have more definite plans in place. Months of staying at home are causing a public fitness crisis that is affecting many of us both physically and mentally so exercise has never been more vital - or more essential.
"We have stringent measures in place to protect customers from infection and I know I speak on behalf of our staff when I say we are really looking forward to welcoming people back to all our facilities as soon as we possibly can.
"Once we know what is happening, we'll be getting in touch with members direct to let them know details."
James Curry, GLL's Head of Service in Cornwall
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs 13 leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council.
A funding support package to keep leisure centres open pending the results of an ongoing strategic review into their viability was agreed between Cornwall Council and GLL last October.
It is hoped that all gyms and swimming pools across Cornwall will re-open at the same time, once official permission is granted.