GROUPS were delighted after returning to the town’s community centres as the coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Sites in the borough reopened on Monday as part of step three of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Cllr Tony Higgins (LAB – Fairfield and Howley), the council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, was on hand to speak to groups as they returned.

They included the Get Fit While You Sit group at Capesthorne Community Centre and the First Funs group at Fearnhead Cross Community Centre.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Tony Higgins with the Get Fit While You Sit group

Cllr Higgins said: “Following the relaxation of Covid regulations, I was pleased to be invited to visit a number of our community centres and view some of the activities.

“At the Fearnhead Community Centre it was great to meet with parents bringing along their small children.

“Some children, especially the baby groups, have never met another child due to the Covid regulations and restrictions on gatherings so it was great to see so much interaction and noises of joy.

“The neighbourhood team responsible for the classes at Fearnhead Community Centre have been fantastic throughout this pandemic with their creativity when it comes to delivering services and supporting residents.

“At the other end of the spectrum it was fun to catch up with older residents at the Capesthorne Community Centre participating in a new and popular chair-based exercise with music.

“I’m immensely pleased that our neighbourhood team are at the very heart of all our community activities and supporting so many people young and old from all spectrums back into society in a safe environment that is providing much-needed companionship.”

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Tony Higgins with the Get Fit While You Sit group

Cllr Higgins also highlighted the measures in place to keep people safe amid coronavirus.

He added: “All our community centres are Covid-secure with hand sanitisers and booking in and out all there to make our visitors feel safer.

“Throughout the pandemic residents continually asked me when will their community centres open because they considered them as a lifeline outside of their homes.

“I have always made very clear that putting our centres at the heart of the community is a priority for me, it builds stronger and more resilient communities.”

Other indoor locations to open up as part of step three include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children's play areas, as well as the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels and hostels.

The Government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full, whichever is a lower number, and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full, whichever is a lower number.

In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend, or a quarter-full, whichever is lower.