Borough leisure centre to remain closed for now

HOUNSLOW COUNCIL CONTINUING TO WORK ON SAFETY MEASURES

HOUNSLOW leisure centres remain closed as the council continues to work on coronavirus safety measures at the sites.

It’s not yet known when the borough’s centres such as Heston Pool and Fitness, Osterley Sports and Athletic Centre and Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre and Library, which are run by Fusion Leisure, will reopen to residents.

Following the government’s announcement that swimming pools, leisure centres and indoor gyms could reopen from July 25, the council said it was planning a “phased return” and would not reopen from that date.

In an update on August 5, Hounslow’s leisure services boss Samia Chaudhary said: “Our priority is protecting residents, staff and volunteers from coronavirus and this means we will only reopen our leisure centres and swimming pools when we are absolutely certain it is safe to do so.

“We know this is frustrating for some but as we’re seeing in parts of the country and across Europe, we cannot be complacent. Coronavirus is still a threat, lives are still at stake and we won’t be taking unnecessary risks.

“Government guidance outlined that indoor gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools could reopen if they were ready to and were happy they could meet the strict Government criteria.”

She added: “Hounslow Council is working closely with Fusion to ensure the strict government measures can be met. We want to ensure that when we can reopen we do it in a carefully planned and managed way, so that customers can be confident that they are being looked after, and can use the equipment in a safe and enjoyable way.”

Fusion is expected to write to all members and give further updates when they are available.

Responding to the government announcement last month, a Fusion spokesperson said: “We have been analysing the safety and financial challenges ahead. The Covid crisis has had a huge financial impact on the sector and UKactive confirmed that projected footfall and income will be significantly down over the next year, whilst operating within the new guidelines.

“We know your leisure facilities are really important for your health and well-being and we want them open again as soon as possible, so we hope that you will bear with us during this time. We are working with London Borough of Hounslow to look at the options for a phased return of leisure centre provision.”

For the latest information go to hounslow.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Heston Pool and Fitness