Atherstone 'counts its blessings' for the return of leisure

'THANK THE LORD' AS JULY 25 'LIKELY DATE' FOR REOPENING OF TOWN CENTRE COMPLEX.

LONG STREET CENTRE 'WORKING TOWARDS BEING SAFE AND READY' FOR COMEBACK LATER THIS MONTH

LEISURE bosses are "working towards" a firm date for reopening Atherstone Leisure Complex.

And July 25 – announced by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden as the day to begin the return of indoor pools and gyms – is looking the preferred day.

Reports on social media suggest the Long Street centre "will" open at the same time as the rest of the nation's leisure facilities but Atherstone LC is remaining coy on the subject.

It posted on its Facebook page the "good news " that is has a reopening date – without specifying one.

When approached by Nub News, a spokeswoman said: "We are working towards July 25 but will review the latest guidance to ensure we're safe and ready for your return.

"We cannot wait to welcome you through our doors."

Michelle Withey is in a hurry, too. She posted: "Thank the Lord for you reopening.

"I have missed the gym. Online classes have been awesome because we've had a flavour of following different instructors but it's not the same as being at the gym.

"We've missed you guys."

The booking system is currently offline as final touches are being made to return to leisure.

Indoor pools and gyms are one of the last places to reopen with pub, clubs, restaurants and non-essential shops already returning.

Mr Dowden said: "The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool.

"Helping people return to gyms safely will also help the nation get match-fit to defeat this virus."

Following the opening for hairdressers last week, beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons and other close contact services will be able to welcome back customers from Monday.

At the same time the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has also published guidance to enable competitive grassroots team sports to resume, beginning with cricket at the weekend.

Theatres and music venues will be allowed to open again outdoors with trials of some indoor places but casinos, nightclubs, bowling alleys, soft play, exhibition and conference centres will remain closed for now.

Footnote: July 25 is a special day in recent UK history – as last year the country was scorching under a Europe-wide heatwave which saw the temperature break the 100° Fahrenheit barrier and record the hottest July day ever.