South Holland leisure centres get ready to welcome back customers

Leisure centres in Spalding and Long Sutton will reopen to the public from tomorrow (Wednesday, December 2) after the second national lockdown ends.

Despite the announcement of a new tiered system for England last Thursday (November 26) putting South Holland in Tier 3, Castle Sports Complex in Spalding will be available for gym, swimming pool, sports hall and bowling green use, subject to coronavirus guidelines.

Tommy Fairweather, contract manager at Castle Sports Complex, said: "We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to our leisure centres."

Peele Leisure Centre in Long Sutton will also be reopening and visitors will be able to use its gym and sports hall.

However, people will need to book in advance to limit overall numbers by using the Leisure Centre smartphone app, with further information available by logging on at www.leisurecentre.com

In addition, safety measures will be in place at both leisure centres to include enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser throughout all leisure venues.

Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities at South Holland District Council, said: "The reopening of leisure centres is great news for local people who I know have missed the chance to use the running machines, lift weights and swim during the second lockdown.

"That relief still comes with a note of caution as we know that COVID-19 is still in general circulation.

"Therefore, people using the centres will need to book before they arrive, while there are arrangements inside the facilities to encourage social distancing that they will need to follow.

"But people have been brilliant at adapting to the changes that the collective effort against COVID-19 has required and this flexibility and understanding will be needed again to make this reopening a success."