OWNERS of Wyre Forest Leisure Centre in Kidderminster have expressed their disappointment that indoor gyms will not be able to reopen when lockdown rules are eased this weekend.

Places Leisure said it is "disappointing" that, while parts of the leisure and hospitality sector will be permitted to reopen from July 4, indoor sports and fitness facilities will not be among them.

A spokesman said: "We believe that our sector constructed a comprehensive and compelling framework for re-opening that included considerable measures to create a safe, hygienic and reassuring environment for our customers.

"Places Leisure and organisations like us contribute significantly to the health and well-being of the nation and most specifically support the improved cardio-respiratory fitness of our communities.

"We will be working closely with our sector agency, ukactive, in the coming hours and days to ensure that we can resolve any remaining concerns that the government and its advisors may have.

"We very much hope that we can then welcome you back and play our role in supporting the very good health of our nation."

When will gyms reopen?

The Prime Minister said last week that indoor gyms will be waiting a "couple of weeks" until they get the greenlight to reopen.

Speaking on LBC on Friday, Boris Johnson said: “The best way forward for the country is to get the economy moving again.

“We are going to reopen gyms as soon as we can do it in a Covid-secure way and I think that the date for reopening gyms at the moment, if we can do it, is in just a couple of weeks’ time.”

What will Wyre Forest Leisure Centre look like when it reopens?

When Wyre Forest Leisure Centre is able to reopen, bosses have said they will be limiting the capacity of activity areas and scheduling time slots to ensure people have sufficient space to ensure social distancing guidelines can be followed.

Visitors will be asked to pre-book and pre-pay for classes or swim sessions, arrive at the site "workout read", check in close to their allocated session time and leave promptly at the end of their time slot.

Gym equipment will be spaced out, while some equipment will be unavailable and capacity restricted in some workout "zones".

Some workout spaces could be moved outdoors, class capacities will be restricted and heightened cleaning regimes will be in place - particularly in "high touch" areas.

Protective screens will be in place at the reception area and staff will be given the option to wear face masks.

Hand sanitiser will be readily available for visitors and people will be asked to clean down gym and exercise equipment, including mats, before and after they use them, using wipes, blue tissue and sanitiser provided.

At the end of each gym or class session, staff will clean the activity area and its equipment before the start of the next session.

Showers will not be available in order to maintain social distancing protocols.

The centre will be phasing the introduction of activities, starting with gym and exercise classes.

A Places Leisure spokesman added: "This remains dependent upon government guidance and approval from our local authority partners and we will continually update our plans as they develop."