Council-owned leisure centres in Hertsmere have received a funding lifeline as the industry prepares to open its doors again following the temporary closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hertsmere Borough Council, working with InspireAll Leisure and Family Support Services, has secured just over £190,000 from Sport England’s National Leisure Recovery Fund (NLRF) to support The Venue in Borehamwood, as well as Bushey Grove and Furzefield Leisure Centre in Potters Bar.
Hilary Shade, the council's head of partnerships and community engagement, said: "This funding will help us ensure that our leisure centres are ready to support people back into an active lifestyle in a safe and Covid-secure setting.
"There will be restrictions in place for a long time, but all three centres will once again soon be able to offer people a place to relax, unwind, energise and connect with others – all the things we’ve missed most during lockdown."
Among the facilities across all three centres are the gym, e-gym, fitness classes, swimming pool, sports hall, outdoor pitches, beauty and thermal spa, soft play and PRAMA studios.
The leisure centres will reopen on April 12, in line with the government roadmap out of lockdown.
Meanwhile, the council has confirmed its outdoor sport courts are set to reopen next week.
The council will be unlocking the gates to its football pitches, sports courts and skateparks on March 29
Formally organised outdoor sports - both for adults and under 18s - can also restart, but should be compliant with guidance issued by national government.
Ian Kershaw, Head of Street Scene responsible for the council's parks and open spaces, said: "Our officers have been working hard to prepare our park facilities so they can open in line with government guidelines towards the end of the month. This means our ball courts, tennis courts and skate park will reopen and our football pitches can be booked again.
"We're delighted to be welcoming people back to enjoy outdoor sports again in Hertsmere. We know how important sport and leisure facilities are to personal health and wellbeing, so I want to reassure residents that we've been working hard to get our outdoor sports courts ready and Covid secure for when they are permitted to open. Now we just need some great Easter weather.
"As much as we want to see people back using our outdoor sports facilities, we urge users to do so safely, whilst adhering to government advice on social distancing."
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