Summerfields and Falaise will reopen their doors tomorrow but things will be very different inside
Following a cash bailout from Hastings Borough Council (HBC) Freedom Leisure’s teams at Summerfields and Falaise are ready to throw open their doors from tomorrow (July 25th).
At its cabinet meeting in July HBC agreed ‘financial support’ to Freedom Leisure but has so far refused to say how much they handed over saying: “The council has decided to provide the support that Freedom Leisure required. The amount itself is subject to commercial sensitivity; we are bound by law not to disclose it.”
When the centres reopen tomorrow things will look different at they adhere to Covid-19 government guidance. In order to make it safe for customers to return gym equipment has been rearranged, reducing the number of people attending classes and to enable social distancing. A booking system will be in place for all activities including lane swimming and visits will be time-limited.
There will be increased cleaning at the centres and a there will be hand sanitising stations available throughout. Only cashless payment will be accepted and contact details will be taken from every customer to support the Government’s track and trace system.
Ivan Horsfall-Turner, Managing Director Freedom Leisure, said: “Freedom Leisure is delighted to be reopening Summerfields and Falaise and our teams are working hard to make sure the centres are ready and waiting to welcome back the local community.
“A lot of planning and work has already been done, and our focus is on making sure our centres are prepared to provide the reassurance our customers need to return – their wellbeing and that of our staff is at the heart of our preparations to reopen.”
HBC’s Councillor Maya Evans, lead cabinet member for leisure said: “The Government have deemed it safe to reopen sports centres…the council is still very concerned about Covid-19 infection levels, and we are taking whatever steps necessary to keep people safe.
“The number one priority is the wellbeing of both Freedom Leisure customers and staff and we know the team at these facilities have worked tirelessly to ensure social distancing guidelines can be met and to make the centres as safe as possible. I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and diligence.”
“It’s crucial to follow the rules on distancing, sterilising equipment after use and hand washing. Always follow the advice given by staff and be vigilant and aware of others around you.”
Is the swimming pool open for children in the small pool
On the subject here about the financial support HBC have provided Freedom Leisure.
While they state the are “bound by law not to disclose it.”
Exactly what law are they referring to and using to avoid the public knowing what the figure is. This is public money they are using. Another opaque exploit here?
If they were a finance company dishing out some money to this outfit then I could accept a confidentiality clause.
But a council with elected members and tax payers money – just not on.
Any chance of us knowing what this “law” is ?