Leisure facilities, gyms, libraries and attractions prepare to reopen across Shropshire
Leisure facilities, gyms, libraries and select outdoor attractions across Shropshire are preparing to reopen.
Facilities managed by Shropshire Council will begin reopening with a phased approach from Monday after the government announced step two of the roadmap out of the third lockdown in England will go ahead, as its criteria had been met.
The reopening of sites includes Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, which will welcome customers once again from Thursday, April 15, having been closed since November.
To keep service users, staff, volunteers and communities across Shropshire safe, Covid-19 safety measures will be in place at all sites.
Clare Featherstone, Shropshire Council’s culture, leisure and tourism manager, said: “The third lockdown has been incredibly tough for us all and has really focused our minds on what we miss, including access to leisure and gym facilities and community facilities.
“We have worked hard to make sure our sites are safe to open to enable the people of Shropshire to exercise and access important community services.
“Our sites have been closed for a long time so we are really looking forward to beginning to reopen them and for customers to return.”
Opening hours at Shropshire libraries will be reduced for the time being and safety measures will be in place in all libraries to help keep staff, customers and local communities safe.
Bookings
Customers will be able to access computers, but are asked to book sessions in advance by contacting the relevant library.
In line with guidance, in-person events will not be running, but online events such as weekly rhyme and story times will continue.
Leisure centres managed by Shropshire Council are taking bookings for use of facilities. Normal operating hours resume as from April 12 and phone lines will be open to book from Friday April 9.
Swimming pools at SpArC in Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton Leisure Centre and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre will open with swimming lessons resuming from Monday, April 19 at some sites.
Visitors to Acton Scott Historic Working Farm will be able to get close to baby animals with lambs and piglets recently joining the family.
To keep visitors, staff and local communities safe, the same measures that were in place in 2020 will be in place across the site including one-way systems, social distancing and access to hand sanitiser.
Tickets must be booked online in advance at the venue which is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4.30pm.
As well as reopening for wider public access, some Shropshire Council-run libraries and leisure centres will be supporting Covid-19 testing efforts in the county by becoming rapid testing kit collection points.
For more information visit shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/rapid-testing-in-shropshire
