Coronavirus: Plea for public to support Peterborough leisure and culture services after government restrictions lifted

A plea has been issued for residents to support leisure and culture services in Peterborough once government restrictions are lifted.
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Vivacity runs gymns, pools, libraries, the Key Theatre, city museum and other attractions in Peterborough, while it also puts on the popular Heritage Festival every year.

But the trust’s chair Stewart Francis said the “vast majority” of its 450 staff have had to be furloughed during the current crisis, with the closure of services costing the charity £8 million in income.

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In an open letter, he said: “These services provide the glue that binds communities together and life in our city would be unimaginable without them.”

The Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre in Bishop's Road which is run by VivacityThe Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre in Bishop's Road which is run by Vivacity
The Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre in Bishop's Road which is run by Vivacity

The former broadcaster said Vivacity had “been able to make a real difference to people’s lives” over the past decade, despite seeing its grant from the cash-strapped city council halved.

And he called on the public to show their support once government restrictions are lifted, even if services are not running as normal to begin with.

Mr Francis said: “The success that is Vivacity is a success for our wonderful city and its people, but all this is now under threat. As of today we have no idea of when and how we can reopen our many venues across the city.

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“But, what I can tell you on behalf of Vivacity’s trustees is that we are going to do our level best to do so as soon as we are able.

“When this lockdown ends I think you will probably see our venues and services open slowly and there may be changes to our operations to protect you until we are rid of this horrible virus.

“Our city can bounce back, but how quickly will depend largely on two things – support from government and support from you.

“All I ask is that when we emerge slowly from lockdown please come back to us and help us and many other organisations finish what we have started – that is to make Peterborough the healthiest and happiest place to live in Eastern England.”

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