DORSET sports and leisure centres are set to reopen later this month, following the recent all-clear from the government.

Leisure centres managed by Dorset Council will be reopening from Saturday July 25 following a four-month period of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The government announced last week sports facilities will be given the green light to open so long as they follow outlined safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The centres that will be reopening in the area are as follows:

  • Purbeck Sports Centre
  • Gryphon Sports Centre in Sherborne
  • Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre
  • Bridport Leisure Centre
  • Sturfit Leisure Centre in Sturminster Newton
  • Oxley Sports Centre in Sherborne
  • Sherborne Sports Centre
  • Osprey Leisure Centre in Portland
  • Dorchester Sports Centre
  • Budmouth Community Sports Centre in Weymouth
  • Blandford Leisure Centre

Each centre will have social distancing measures in place, along with strict cleaning regimes from the centres’ staff. Door handles, railings and all equipment will be cleaned regularly and there will be hand sanitising stations positioned around the buildings.

Employees will also be receiving COVID-19 training to enable them to implement and enforce plans for the safety of customers.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for customer, community and regulatory Services, said: “Our sports and leisure centres play an important role in the health of Dorset’s communities, so we are looking forward to opening our doors again.

“We’d like to reassure everyone that we have implemented strict measures to ensure the cleanliness and safety of our centres. This information can be found on our web pages and we would ask people to familiarise themselves with the detail prior to attending their centre.

“We thank all our customers for their continued support and patience and look forward to seeing them again soon.”

Full details of available activities, opening times and booking and payment arrangements can be found on each centre’s webpage, which will be updated as we approach the reopening date.