NORTHWICH Memorial Court has announced how and when it is planning to reopen to the public.

The leisure and fitness facility closed on March 20 along with others across the country because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But it will be one of six leisure centres across west Cheshire which will reopen their doors to customers on Saturday, July 25.

Brio Leisure, which runs leisure services on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council says it has been working closely with the council’s director of public health and industry association UK Active to ensure that robust measures will be in place to keep customers and staff safe.

Visitors are warned however to expect big changes to what they are used to, including a reduced number of classes and a more timetabled approach to gym and swimming.

Reduced numbers of places for each activity, which will need to be pre-booked, will enable social distancing, as will changes to entrances and exits and alterations to the use of toilets and changing rooms.

Brio also says that some facilities such as cafés, vending machines and water fountains will be closed.

Hand sanitising stations will be available at entrance points, room entrances and throughout activity spaces, with extra sanitising equipment for gym and fitness equipment.

Revised cleaning schedules will be introduced to increase the frequency of cleaning with revised standards.

Thorough training is being provided to staff on all the new procedures and ways of working, revised first aid procedures will be in place to protect staff and customers and enhanced PPE will be provided to staff with clear guidelines on its use.

Council leader Cllr Louise Gittins said: “As a council, we have to make sure we are doing all we can to reduce the spread of Covid-19 while still enabling residents to access services that matter to them.

“At a time like this, services that allow people to stay healthy and active are crucial.

“We have been working alongside Brio to follow government guidelines and national industry advice and are only opening these six centres because we feel it is safe to do so.

“I want to thank residents for their patience as I know people are keen to get back to their indoor fitness activities, and I hope that people continue to be understanding as we move into this ‘new normal’.”

Elly McFahn, managing director of Brio, added: “We really can’t wait to welcome returning customers and new customers to our centres, but want to stress that their health and safety and that of our staff is our priority.

“We’ve worked in partnership with the council and are following industry standard UK Active ‘Fit Together’ framework to ensure that fitness centres are Covid-secure.

“You will notice some changes when coming back to use our swimming pools, gyms and fitness classes to make sure our centres continue to be a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.

“Our friendly staff will be on hand, as always, to guide you through.”

Other west Cheshire leisure centres that will be reopening are Winsford Lifestyle Centre, Northgate Arena and Christleton Sports Centre in Chester, Ellesmere Port Sports Village and Neston Recreation Centre.

More information about reopening, safety measures in place and what to expect when visiting a centre is available at brioleisure.org/welcomeback