Hastings and Rother leisure centre teams ‘frustrated’ at having to close for second lockdown

A spokesman said: “It is disappointing for everyone that access to sports and leisure facilities is not available but Freedom Leisure have made a commitment to its customers that they will not lose out financially.”

Payments due later in the month will not be collected and the next payment will be in December. Those with a pre-paid membership will have an additional month added.

The spokesman added: “A healthy lifestyle is an integral part of the fight against Covid-19 and the closure of leisure centres and swimming pools will impact on activity levels.

“Since reopening after the previous lockdown, your local community leisure centres have welcomed lots of people back through their doors and look forward to December when the doors open once again and everyone can get back to exercise and enjoy some social time in a safe space.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure managing director, said: “Now that the colder weather and darker nights are with us our centres are more valuable than ever in providing lots of options for people to be active.

“The centre teams are also frustrated at having to close once more but are really looking forward to getting back to what they do best - making sure all our customers have the best fitness and leisure experience.”

Cllr Jay Brewerton,Rother District Council lead member for Health, Well-being and Inclusion, said “Although it is disappointing our leisure centres have had to close again, it is important we do all we can to help slow the rate of infection and protect the NHS and our communities.

“When restrictions are lifted and our leisure centres can reopen safely, residents will once again be able to return to our gyms and swimming pools to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits that regular exercise brings.”

Cllr Maya Evans, lead for Natural Environment and Leisure at Hastings Borough Council, said: “It is a shame to see our leisure centres close, but we have to act to protect the whole community, especially for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. We encourage everyone to remain active at home, check out the free lockdown online classes delivered by Active Hastings.

“I hope to see people returning to the leisure centres when COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our community, the centres are really great facilities for our community. It is so important to keep fit not only for your physical health, but also mental health, so we should all make sure we can continue to do any exercise we can from home until Freedom Leisure centres open once again.”