The Harrogate district leisure centres and swimming pools set to reopen after lockdown

Harrogate Borough Council has announced which of its leisure centres and swimming pools will reopen as lockdown is lifted.
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The government last week gave the go-ahead for leisure venues to reopen across all levels of the three-tiered system which will come into force as lockdown ends on 2 December.

Only leisure venues in Tier 3 will face some restrictions - with a ban on group activities and classes.

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Harrogate - and the rest of North Yorkshire - will come under Tier 2.

Ripon Leisure Centre will reopen its new-look gym as work on a new six-lane swimming pool and refurbishments continue. Photo: HBC.Ripon Leisure Centre will reopen its new-look gym as work on a new six-lane swimming pool and refurbishments continue. Photo: HBC.
Ripon Leisure Centre will reopen its new-look gym as work on a new six-lane swimming pool and refurbishments continue. Photo: HBC.

The leisure centres which will reopen on the day lockdown ends are Harrogate Hydro, Nidderdale Leisure Centre and Ripon Leisure Centre.

Starbeck and Ripon Spa Baths will remain closed due to staff supporting frontline council services stretched by the pandemic, while Knaresborough Pool will also stay shut because of ongoing maintenance problems.

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The council said visitors to the reopening centres will be required to follow rules on social distancing, hygiene and the wearing of face masks.

A spokesman said: "Everybody aged 12-years-old and over, who enters any of our leisure centres, will still need to wear a face covering in the communal areas.

For gym users this means wearing a face covering in the reception area, corridors and toilets. Face coverings are not required in the gym itself, but should be worn when leaving at the end of the session or if moving to a different part of the building.

"Swimmers need to wear a face covering in the reception area, corridors, toilets and while they make their way to their allocated changing cubicle. Face covering can then be left in your allocated locker before proceeding to the pool."

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Harrogate Hydro and Nidderdale Leisure Centre will reopen for lane swimming, family swimming and gym, while Ripon Leisure Centre will reopen its new-look gym area as work on a new six-lane swimming pool and refurbishments continue.

For more information and bookings go to hwww.harrogate.gov.uk/sport-leisure

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter