LEISURE centres across East Hampshire are to reopen from Monday after receiving the government’s go-ahead for ‘Step 2’ of the roadmap out of lockdown, operator Everyone Active has confirmed.

Alton Sports Centre, Taro Leisure Centre and the brand-new Whitehill and Bordon Leisure Centre will reopen their doors following a three-month closure.

The government confirmed on Monday that leisure centres would be safe to reopen with strict operational measures in place.

This is the latest stage of the four-step roadmap plan and follows the reopening of several outdoor activities at Everyone Active sites on Monday, March 29, including the new outdoor 4G football facilities at Alton Sports Centre.

The government’s roadmap includes detail on which facilities can reopen within each step, meaning some may not be available at the centre in the first instance.

For details about which facilities can reopen in each step, see www.everyoneactive.com

Chris West, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening our centres and welcoming back the local community.

“After being closed for three months, the latest step in the government’s roadmap is a positive move forward for the leisure industry and gives people of all ages the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe continues to be our number-one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.

“We will be contacting all customers directly over the coming days regarding the centres reopening. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thank them for their patience.”

Claire Hughes, client relationship director for East Hampshire District Council, added: “Leisure facilities have a vital role to play in supporting the health of the district, especially during the recovery from the coronavirus lockdowns.

“Our centres have been hit especially hard over the past year, so I can’t wait to see them back up and running.

“They will give our residents the opportunities to stay fit and healthy that have been badly missed for much of the past 12 months.”

Everyone Active has committed to keeping its customers safe and active, ensuring it will “meet and exceed” government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 with the ‘Everyone Active Pledge’.

For further information about Everyone Active’s leisure centres and its pledge to customers, visit www.everyoneactive.com