A council is set to open leisure centres and sports facilities to the public over the next few days.

Three Rivers District Council and sports and leisure operator Everyone Active will be reopening centres and facilities across the district with a phased approached after months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Indoor gyms, swimming pools and other indoor sports facilities were given the green light to reopen by Prime Minister Boris Johnson from July 25.

And from tomorrow (July 28), William Penn Leisure Centre and the 3G all-weather pitch at Sir James Altham Pool in Three Rivers will reopen to the public.

However, the swimming pool facilities at William Penn Leisure Centre will be opening a few days later on Friday, July 31, while the swimming pool at Sir James Altham Pool is set to stay closed.

Watford Observer:

The new South Oxhey Leisure Centre is on course to open in early September, with customers set to be given details directly.

All leisure centres will ensure social distancing is managed while regular cleaning is maintained.

John Sewell, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening the centres and welcoming back the local community. After being closed for over four months, this latest announcement from Government is the news the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance."

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure at Three Rivers District Council, said: “The last few months have been a very stressful and difficult time for many people in our communities and we all know the benefits that can be achieved, both physical and mental, from exercise.

“It is great to see that Everyone Active and Three Rivers District Council are able to start reopening our facilities and to be able to offer people the opportunity to get back into a space which can be a sanctuary to many.

“There will be a phased approach to the reopening of the facilities and the areas within the facilities to allow for the safety standards to be followed. I look forward to seeing many of you and joining many of you back in our much loved leisure venues.”