Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech leisure centres to extend hours after successful reopening

Manor Leisure Centre at Whittlesey. These exercise bikes will be rearranged to be Covid-safe. EMN-200731-110321001

The centres in Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech, which are operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Fenland District Council, reopened on a phased basis on Saturday, July 25, in line with the Government’s Covid-19 secure guidance.

Customers have been eager to return to their local community facilities and there has been a positive reaction to the measures put in place to keep everyone safe.

Now opening hours are being extended and capacities increased in the gyms and fitness classes to cope with demand, while maintaining all the necessary safety standards.

From Monday (August 3), the new opening hours will be 7am to 12noon and 3.30pm to 8.30pm weekdays, and 8am to 2pm at weekends.

There will still be reduced capacities in place, and some leisure centre areas including saunas, soft play areas and toddler pools, remain closed for the time being due to Covid safety precations.

Coun Sam Clark, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: “It’s been fantastic to see customers returning to their local leisure centres to get back into the sports and fitness activities they have missed so much during lockdown.

“The reopening of the leisure centres has gone brilliantly, with everyone appreciating all the hard work that’s gone into getting the centres ready and respecting all the measures put in place to give everyone a safe and positive experience.

“User capacities will increase slightly from next week to meet demand, in line with Government guidance, so even more people can start to return.”

Ivan Horsfall-Turner, Managing Director of Freedom Leisure, added: “We could not have hoped for a more positive reaction from our customers in Fenland which reflects how much people want to get back into their exercise habits after four months away.

“Our staff teams have been fantastic in making customers feel supported and confident to return, we have had some great feedback which confirms we are doing all the right things. It’s great to be back!”