Harrogate swimming pools and museums to stay shut as more businesses reopen - and other council closures

And the same applies to all tourism and community centres in the district.

It comes after all council-run venues were closed in March before the national lockdown was imposed.

Council bosses are now waiting on a reopening go-ahead from the government which hopes indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas - so called 'close proximity' venues - could reopen in England later in July.

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It means the facilities which will remain closed in the Harrogate district include Harrogate Hydro, Ripon Leisure Centre, Ripon Spa Baths, Nidderdale Leisure Centre, Knaresborough Swimming Pool, Starbeck Baths, Harrogate Turkish Baths, Jennyfield Styan Community Centre, Knaresborough Community Centre and Fairfax Community Centre.

It is the same for the Royal Pump House Museum, Knaresborough Castle and the Mercer Art Gallery.

A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council said: "We are still looking at the logistics of what facilities can be opened and when as we need to ensure they are managed responsibly and our staff and visitors are kept safe."

Separately, more public toilets are being reopened in the coming weeks and play areas will reopen on 4 July.

North Yorkshire County Council has also announced libraries will begin a phased reopening on 6 July - although visitors won't be allowed inside to collect and return books to start with.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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