Leisure centres in Tendring now closed

Leisure centres in Tendring are now closed following the latest government guidance.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced during the daily Coronavirus briefing that gyms and leisure centres should close from tonight, along with pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants, as part of tightening measures to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tendring District Council (TDC) run centres will not open tomorrow (Saturday) until further notice.

Members’ fees for April will be frozen, no matter if they have a direct debit, annual membership or pay cash monthly. Decisions on future payments will be taken in line with reviews on the latest leisure centre opening advice.

Those who pay annually will have the frozen period of time added on to the year-end date.

In addition, swimming lessons and ‘dryside’ courses will be postponed, and pupils will hold their current slot. Customers will have all their lessons carried over to the next ten-week course, once things return to normal.

Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said the decision was an easy one to make, albeit a sad one.

“Leisure centres had been kept open with enhanced measures, in line with government advice to provide public facilities for exercise and keeping active, but now that advice has changed we must now close the facilities,” Cllr Porter said.

“We are freezing all membership payments so that nobody, and especially not our regular customers, is disadvantaged in this difficult time.

“We want to send a strong message that we are standing with the Tendring community, ready to face whatever challenges the Covid-19 pandemic may bring.”

Cllr Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, added:

“We know from the positive messages received that to many residents our leisure facilities are a lifeline; to try to support them we will have a ‘keep fit at home’ routine to share on social media next week.

“This is one of a number of steps we are taking to support the community, which also includes a rent holiday for community groups using our buildings under the CAROS scheme.”

Building checks will continue to ensure the leisure facilities remain in good condition ready to re-open when the advice changes, and staff are being asked to report for work on Monday morning as usual.

Further arrangements for leisure centres will be reviewed on Monday (23 March).

For more information about Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the TDC response, visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus

NEWSDEKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.