Gyms reopen at Uttlesford's leisure centres, but pools remain closed.

Stansted's Romeera Leisure Centre is set to reopen next week as coronavirus restrictions continue to ease in the district.

1Life, which operates Uttlesford's three main facilities - Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow Leisure Centre at Helena Romanes School and the Mountfitchet Romeera at Forest Hall School - said the Stansted site was expected to welcome back customers on Monday (Aug 10).

It is the last facility to open although swimming pools, showers and changing rooms remain closed at all venues and will reopen later in a phased approach.

A spokesperson for 1Life said: "Following guidance from the Government, as well as the fitness trade body UKActive and its independent scientific advisors, not to mention 1Life’s own vigorous health and safety procedures, the final touches were made to safely re-open for members, the community and staff.

"Positive and proactive changes within the facilities mean it is safe for people to exercise at a suitable distance from others. Cleaning schedules have been increased and staff are carrying out cleaning routines each hour with an anti-virus agent."

Revised opening hours are in place and customers are asked to book onto specific exercise slots and sessions via the 1Life app, website or by calling the centres direct.

Uttlesford Cllr Alexander Armstrong, Dunmow North, said: “Keeping fit and healthy has never been more important and so it is great to see the leisure centres open again – we know our residents have missed using the facilities during lockdown. The careful, phased reopening plan is the right thing to do and the measures that are in place will help to make people feel safe in coming back.”

Mark Braithwaite, 1Life CEO, added: “We are naturally very excited to re-open, but this is not done lightly. We have used the last 17-plus weeks to upskill, re-educate and re-train our teams on the very latest advice and procedures to ensure a safe service and operation.

“As the Government and public health experts ease the current restrictions, we want to ensure that members and users feel comfortable and safe using our facilities.”