GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates leisure facilities across Eden on behalf of Eden District Council under the All Better brand, has announced its plans for the reopening of Penrith and Appleby leisure centres from Monday.
Initially, gyms and pools will reopen on Monday and anyone wishing to use the facilities will need to prebook a time slot via the Better app or website.
Equipment within gym areas will again be reduced to ensure that two-metre social distancing between users is maintained, while some fitness classes will be relocated to sports halls or even, weather permitting, the open air.
Staff will again operate an enhanced cleaning regime, while customers will be asked to wipe down the equipment that they have used. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout leisure centre buildings.
As a result of the reopening of the two venues, car parking charges at the Appleby and Penrith leisure centres will resume from 12 April.
All Better members will be given access to all Better-operated facilities within Eden for the foreseeable future.
However, they will also be given the option to continue to freeze their memberships if they don’t feel confident returning to the centres initially, or have health conditions that continue to put them at higher risk of infection from COVID-19.
Tom Rice, partnership manager for Better Leisure Centres in Eden, said: “After over three months of lockdown, we’re delighted to finally be able to re-open Penrith and Appleby leisure centres.
“Our key priorities as always are to ensure customer and staff safety and to again build customer confidence and we will be implementing the tried and tested COVID-secure operating practices that worked successfully during 2020.
“We are looking forward to welcoming back our customers and anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental health through exercise and physical activity.
“We do however recognise that some people may still be worried about returning to their local leisure facilities at this point. We will therefore continue to offer free access to online fitness and exercises classes via our Better app.”
Doug Huggon, leisure and community services manager for Eden District Council, said; “The leisure facilities reopening on a limited basis with COVID-secure arrangements in place is a real positive step towards some form or normality.
“The service offers a vital opportunity for people to take part in physical activity which is important for both physical and mental well-being.”
