RYEDALE leisure centres are reopening following a month of closure during the second lockdown.

Ryedale Sports Centre, Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre and Derwent Swim and Fitness Centre, managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Ryedale District Council, will reopen their doors today (Wednesday).

The government has confirmed all leisure centres across all tiers will be safe to reopen with strict operational measures in place, however certain activities will not be available.

“We’re very much looking forward to reopening our centres and welcoming back the local community,” said Jon Bird, Everyone Active’s general manager.

“After being closed for a month, this announcement from government is the news the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting.

“It is very important to give people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre, particularly during the winter months, and this will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

“We would like to thank Ryedale District Council for their support, which has proved invaluable during this challenging year.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.

“We will be contacting all customers directly over the coming days regarding the centres reopening.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thank them for their patience.”

Everyone Active previously raised concerns regarding the closure of gyms at the beginning of November.

David Bibby, managing director of Everyone Active, said there were concerns about the effect on people this time round, with less daylight and colder weather preventing exercise outdoors.

In an open letter on Everyone Active’s website, he said: “We are incredibly disappointed by the decision not to keep gyms and leisure centres open.

“We understand the importance of the position we’re in to support the health and well being of the nation.”

While its 200 leisure centres across the country have been closed, Everyone Active has provided a comprehensive package of online workouts for people to use, along with live-streamed classes across its social media pages.

For more information, visit everyoneactive.com