Lancaster children's gym classes saved as council does u turn

Parents children and the gym instructor were devastated when they heard the popular gymnastics classes looked set for the chop.

But at the eleventh hour it was decided that the gym classes can continue after a programme review.

The team behind Salt Ayre Leisure Centre are working to introduce some new and exciting activities which aim to deliver sessions to a wider cross section of the community, as well as continuing to offer gymnastics.

Additional safety measures will be implemented, as with other areas of the business, to ensure continuing customer and staff safety within the government guidelines.

The review was launched as part of a need to assess the operational approach to activities at the centre in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as a desire to expand the range of classes and activities available to customers.

Following a staff consultation and review of the safety measures which can be put into place, it has been concluded that gymnastics can continue, with the necessary operational amendments required.

Mark Davies, Director (Communities and the Environment), said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has meant we have had to review all of our activities to ensure that robust measures are in place to prevent onward transmission of the virus.

"For example, additional cleaning will be required across the centre and all equipment disinfected at the end of each session. There has also been an impact on equipment set up and de-rig times.

“Having reviewed the options available to us and listened to feedback from the community, we have concluded that we are able to put sufficient measures in place for gymnastics to continue.

“As will be the case across the board for all activities in the centre, there will be a reduction in classes and the number that can attend at any one time.

"Details are in the process of being finalised and more information on how these changes will be phased-in will be made available following further discussions with staff and freelance instructor.

“We realise these are frustrating times and would like to thank everyone for their patience and support while the review took place.

"We have a responsibility to only reintroduce classes when it is safe to do so and in a way that protects customers, staff, and our communities.

"Our aim is to eventually offer a full programme that would return to similar numbers as previously.

“The council is always striving to ensure that its programming at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre provides a wide and varied range of activities. We are constantly reviewing our programmes to ensure they meet the diverse needs of our communities and cater for the widest possible audience.”