BRADFORD Council-run leisure centres are to re-open for the first time since lockdown began.

Following the Government relaxation of restrictions on gyms and leisure centres last week, the Council is preparing to welcome back customers to its sites across the district.

Many sports and leisure staff, currently helping ensure local communities are getting help and information about the Coronavirus and testing, are being recalled to their original roles meaning there has been a delay in getting centres up and running.

Although the district’s gyms could open from Tuesday, the Council facilities will begin to open as part of a phased approach from Friday with The Leisure Centre Keighley opening its doors first, followed by Thornton Recreation Centre on Monday. The remaining sites will open over the following weeks.

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For the first time since March, the swimming pool at The Leisure Centre Keighley will be open along with the gym facilities and fitness classes. Thornton Recreation Centre will continue to offer gym sessions and fitness classes.

Last Friday The Government announced the additional restrictions on indoor gyms, swimming pools, dance and fitness studios, other indoor sports facilities can now re-open across the whole district as long as their operations are Covid-19 secure.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for health people and places, said: “We are grateful for the patience shown by those who want to return to our gyms, pools and dance studios during this difficult period.

“Keeping fit and active is important to both the physical and mental health of people in the district and reopening these facilities will provide an additional option for residents.”

“We have also had to make sure we abide by the Government guidelines and continue to make these facilities as safe as possible so they can continue to enjoy their sessions and remain healthy.”

People using the facilities will need to book and pay online in advance for their places by heading to their chosen sport and leisure centre’s page on the Council website https://www.bradford.gov.uk/sport-and-activities/sports-centres-and-pools/sports-centres-and-pools/

Contact details will also be need to be given for track and trace purposes.

Memberships will remain frozen and anyone using the Council gyms and pools will need to pay each time they visit the site to take part in an exercise session.