LEISURE centres in Warwickshire facing month-long closure are backing the petition to keep gyms open during the second lockdown.
A number of centres in the county, managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active, were forced to close for a prolonged period during the first lockdown which began in March.
Now the sector is pushing to be recognised as an ‘essential service’.
A letter from Everyone Active’s managing director David Bibby has raised concerns about the tougher effect on the public this time round, with shorter daylight hours and cold weather affecting mental health and the motivation for exercise.
Research by industry body ukactive showed nearly 60 per cent of people managed their mental health by being active during the last lockdown, emphasising the role gyms and leisure facilities can play in encouraging good health and wellbeing.
Following the reopening of leisure facilities in July, Everyone Active implemented a host of strict operational measures to ensure safety across gym, swimming and group exercise activities. Despite this, the safety efforts were met with news of a month’s closure.
Everyone Active spokesman Alex Fuoco-Lang added: “This is an incredibly difficult time for the leisure industry and our centres.
“We are urging our members to get behind us and to support their local centre by signing the petition to encourage the Government to keep gyms open.
“We’re so proud of all our colleagues for their hard work and dedication to providing a safe environment for our customers and can’t wait to reopen our doors once again.”
The petition can be found by searching petition.parliament.uk/petitions.
