Angus sports centres will stick to a mid-September re-opening plan.
Despite a First Minister’s announcement which cleared the way for swimming pools and gyms to be up and running again at the end of this month, the local authority’s arms length leisure trust Angus Alive has confirmed it will be keeping to the original September 14 date originally set by the Scottish Government.
Officials say the additional time is need to put safety procedures in place and train staff.
However, pools, health suites and creches in the facilities will stay shut as the organisation awaits further government guidance.
In a phased re-opening programme, Arbroath Sports Centre, Forfar Community Campus and Montrose Sports Centre will be the first to reopen from September 14.
Brechin Community Campus and Carnoustie Sports Centre will follow on September18 September, with Arbroath’s Saltire Sports Centre and Websters Sports Centre in Kirriemuir welcoming customers back on September 21.
Opening times will be different compared to pre-lockdown and continually reviewed then changed when demand and safety allows.
Angus Alive said there will be a reduced gym and fitness studio offering available
A decision will also be made on the reopening of sports club activities, use of indoor and outdoor pitches and junior coaching provision following publication and careful review of updated guidance. We are continuing to liaise closely with the associated governing bodies.
Angus Alive chief executive Kirsty Hunter said: “Angus Alive, like many charitable trusts across the country, has found the Covid-19 pandemic detrimental to our ability to operate and generate income.
“The coronavirus won’t be disappearing anytime soon and it will continue to present us with challenges in the weeks and months ahead.
“Therefore, it’s fundamental that we reopen our services gradually in a way that ensures the longevity and sustainability of the charity as well as the safety of our customers and colleagues.
“We’ve already started reopening some of our services and we’re continuing to work towards reopening more over the coming weeks and months.”
Country park car parks re-opened at Monikie, Forfar Loch and Glen Doll last month and a click and collect service has been introduced at four Angus libraries.
The wider rollout of the click and collect system next month the introduction of limited browsing at libraries from October is planned, with rural and delivery services making a return thereafter.
Arbroath Signal Tower is the first Angus planned for re-opening, at some point in October and outdoor bootcamps are being planned for country parks in the coming weeks.
The charity is also considering theatre re-opening guidance, including the prospect of shows returning to the stage of Arbroath’s Webster Memorial theatre.
Ms Hunter added: “All shows that were programmed for 2020 have been rescheduled over the past five months to 2021. We are continuing to explore the possibility of streaming performances digitally as well as opportunities to host outdoor events.”
