Walton lifestyles leisure centre set to re-open

Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles will re-open from tomorrow (Wednesday 14 October) after a temporary closure for deep cleaning.

Tendring District Council (TDC) closed the leisure centre last week as a precaution, after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The closure allowed deep cleaning to take place at the facility over the weekend.

Now it will re-open on a limited basis tomorrow and Thursday, from 11am until 7pm and with a full swimming lesson programme, while staff numbers are reduced due to self-isolation.

Walton Lifestyles will then fully re-open on Friday (16 October). All sessions must be booked in advance.

The booking system across all of TDC’s leisure centres has also been upgraded to provide bookable slots at 15 minute intervals, instead of on the hour, to offer more flexibility to users.

From Monday (19 October) it will also be mandatory for leisure centre users and staff to wear a face covering while moving around in the facilities, unless they are exempt for health reasons. Masks can then be removed while taking part in activities themselves.

Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, thanked Walton Lifestyles users for their patience.

“We would like to apologise for anyone inconvenienced by this temporary closure, which was a necessary precautionary measure to make sure we keep our staff and leisure centre users safe,” Cllr Porter said.

“We’re glad to be re-opening again, and my thanks go to all our staff and contractors for their quick response to this. I’m also pleased to report the staff member who tested positive and triggered our steps is continuing to do well.

“With our new rule on face masks from Monday, and more flexible booking slots, we’re continuing to keep our facilities across the district open for residents to enjoy in a Covid-secure way.”

13/10/2020

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.

Attached image shows a GV shot of Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles leisure centre. Picture: TDC