Leisure chiefs: Safety is our top priority

Renfrewshire Leisure bosses say “safety is their priority” as they wait for the green light on reopening gyms and swimming pools.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a further delay to gyms and pools reopening with the date possibly Monday, September 14.

The timeline is dependent on maintaining low levels of the virus in the community as well as ensuring that all social distancing and hygiene protocols are followed.

If conditions a re favourable, the First Minister said they may reopen at the end of August.

Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa Marie Hughes said: “We really do value the support of our members and the wider public and know how much people in Renfrewshire have missed these services.

We will use the time to refine our procedures

“These cent res are important parts of our communities, playing important roles in helping our health and wellbeing.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people back and working with them to ensure their return is both safe and enjoyable.”

Victoria Hollows, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, added: “We know how eagerly the community is waiting for news on a date for reopening our leisure facilities, not least of all because of the vital part they play in ensuring we can get everyone active again after a long period of closure during lockdown.

“With reopening now no earlier than the end of August, and perhaps not until mid September, we will continue to use the time before then to refine our procedures – continuing to reflect that our first priority for opening will be the safety of our customers and staff.”

Renfrewshire Leisure will also work with Renfrewshire Council’s educat i o n department t owards starting up its Active Schools programmes from the start of the new school term.

It is also working with local sports clubs and teams to make earliest possible use of courts and pitches after confirmation that these can start again from specified dates in August.