Leisure centres across the district are set to reopen, after being given the ‘green light’ at a meeting of Cotswold District Council's cabinet.

Everyone Active’s leisure centres in Cirencester, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden, which are managed in partnership with Cotswold District Council will reopen their doors tomorrow for gym access and fitness classes.

This follows a financial support package agreed at Cotswold District Council’s meeting on Wednesday.

Swimming pools across the centres will reopen on Saturday, August 15, for lane swimming and swimming clubs.

Other facilities and activities across the leisure centres will follow in a phased approach and members will be updated as dates are confirmed.

This is part of a plan to re-open the leisure facilities gradually in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all customers returning under the new social distancing guidance.

Jamie Nesbit, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening the centres and welcoming back the local community.

"After being closed for nearly four months, this latest announcement from Government is the news the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting.

"Giving people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

"We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we have received from customers during these unprecedented times, and we’re so grateful. Like many other industries, leisure has been greatly affected by the lockdown.

“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 thanking them for their patience.”

Cotswold District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Jenny Forde, said: “The last few months have been a very stressful and difficult time for many of our residents and we all know the benefits that can be achieved, both physical and mental, from exercise.

"We have now agreed a substantial financial support package for Everyone Active, supporting them to open a safe service in the district.

“It is great to see that Everyone Active and Cotswold District Council are able to start reopening our facilities - offering the opportunity to get back into a space which can be a sanctuary to many.

“There will be a phased approach to the reopening of the facilities to ensure everyone’s safety. It will be wonderful to see people back in our leisure centres again and not a moment too soon.”

For further information on Everyone Active, its leisure centres and opening times, visit www.everyoneactive.com