THE TEAM at lifeLEISURE Barrow Park have welcomed visitors back through the doors for the first time since lockdown began.

The centre, in Greengate Street, opened its doors yesterday, to provide a safe and socially distanced environment for everyone to partake in sporting activities.

Swimming, sport and fitness classes and use of the gym will be available for fitness enthusiasts to use.

The centre will be adhering to strict guidelines laid out for leisure centres and swimming pools by the government.

There will be hand sanitisers throughout the centre, screens in place at reception and a clearly-marked one-way entry and exit system.

In addition, a stringent cleaning regime is in operation throughout the day while the cafe has a new layout to enable people to socially distance while enjoying a range of refreshments.

The organisation is also working with local groups to make sure that as many people as possible can safely take advantage of the equipment, classes and spaces that are available.

Malcolm McPhail, CEO of Life Leisure Group, said: “We had no choice when it came to closing centres at the start of the pandemic, but we could choose how we reacted.

“We have used every bit of that time to work with our fellow fitness providers, medical advisors and of course everyone at Barrow.

“The leadership team and all our staff have been fantastic and I thank them so much for their continued support.

“As a non-profit working in the leisure industry, the impact of COVID-19 on our organisation has been severe. But we don’t want to let this stop us.

“Physical activity is so important for health and wellbeing, especially when emerging from lockdown conditions. Reopening leisure centres is also an important contribution to getting people out of their homes and restarting the local economy.

“All of which is why we’ve worked really closely with the local council to re-open Barrow as soon as possible following the government’s announcement regarding leisure facilities.”