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Decision details

L-05-20: The opening of Wiltshire Leisure Centres during the COVID19 pandemic (All divisions)

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Military-Civilian Integration, Health and Wellbeing, Economic Development, Arts, Heritage, and Tourism

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To agree the way forward for the reopening of Leisure Centres in Wiltshire during the COVID19 pandemic following Government’s announcement and guidance issued on 09 July 2020 that indoor leisure facilities including gyms and swimming pools can re-open from 25 July.   

Decision:

I approve the decision set out in the attached report.

 

This decision was published on 31 July 2020 and will come into effect on 10 August 2020.


 

Reasons for the decision:

Wiltshire Leisure services are not able to reopen the same Leisure services as operated pre-COVID, and therefore seek a decision on the Leisure Centres and Services that will open during the COVID19 pandemic.

Alternative options considered:

Through the development of these proposals the service has considered the impact of not reopening Leisure Centres during the COVID19 pandemic, the impact of a partial opening, and the impact of a full reopening.  A full reopening is not possible due to the safety restrictions on group activities like swim school and classes and the financial cost implications.   Not reopening leisure would require moth balling our leisure facilities, payment to our leisure contractor and significant staff redundancies.  The proposed approach seeks to support active health for the residents of Wiltshire within a safe environment while seeking full operational cost recovery and thereby minimising the financial impact on the Council.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

The approach does not require public consultation.   We and Places Leisure, our leisure provider on 10 sites, will ensure clear communication to all Leisure Members and Leisure users. 

 

Contact: Jessica Gibbons, Email: jessica.gibbons@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Publication date: 21/07/2020

Date of decision: 31/07/2020

Effective from: 10/08/2020

Accompanying Documents: