Grey-thompson tells PM he is risking ‘catastrophic’ public health damage
Baroness Tanni Grey-thompson, the 11-time Paralympic gold medallist, has written to Boris Johnson to tell him that public health risks being set back by a generation following the decision to prioritise pubs and restaurants above the reopening of gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, Grey-thompson warned that thousands of facilities were at risk of closing permanently and that much of the sports sector had “lost faith” in the process.
A petition urging the Government
to allow gyms and leisure centres to reopen has reached more than 100,000 signatures, meaning the issue will be considered for a parliamentary debate.
“The consequences of further delays and ambiguity are stark,” wrote Grey-thompson. “Communities across the UK are now on notice at the potential loss of facilities, with more than 2,800 at risk of closure and more than 100,000 jobs at risk. To lose these in the midst of the biggest health crisis could set back public health for a generation. The loss would be catastrophic.”
Swim England yesterday warned that one in 10 of the nation’s pools risked permanent closure and openly challenged the Government to show how pubs are scientifically safer to reopen than chlorinated and carefully managed swimming facilities. Jane Nickerson, the chief executive of Swim England, said that swimming was worth £350 million annually to the National Health Service and that 500 of the nation’s 5,000 pools could close.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “In Peterborough, the charitable trust that runs centres has folded and given the keys back to the council. That will be replicated up and down the country.” She said that a request had been made from the leisure sector to the Treasury for financial support. “I know the country will be financially strapped, but they have rescued many other businesses – why not rescue one that is actually going to help protect the NHS,” said Nickerson. “We are terrified there will be a lost generation who can’t swim. It’s not about finding the next Adam Peaty, it’s the kid who won’t be safe around water on holiday or by a lake or reservoir that scares me.”
Together with significant membership subsidies,
British Gymnastics estimates that as much as £1 million has been given out by the governing body to support its grass roots during the crisis.
“It is so important we keep gymnastics clubs viable,” said chief executive Jane Allen. “Their emphasis on professional sport is frustrating because we serve a huge role in the community.” Grey-thompson, who is also the chair of Ukactive, an organisation which represents 7,000 public and private gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools, has sought an urgent meeting with chief medical officer Chris Whitty, plus a clear timetable to reopen. The Government says it recognises “the importance of physical activity to the nation’s health.”