Monday, 8th June 2020
Pendle Leisure Trust is looking forward to life after lockdown and already plans are in motion for when the time is right to reopen facilities.
With restrictions still in place and complying with Government guidelines, lots of work is going on behind the scenes in preparation for when the centres can finally throw open their doors.
One of its facilities – Marsden Park Golf Course - which is operated by Reevolution Golf – has reopened; but the rest of the charitable Trust’s venues – Pendle Wavelengths, Pendle Leisure Centre, West Craven Sports Centre, Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre, Inside Spa, the Muni Theatre and the ACE Centre - are all still currently closed.
Alison Goode, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “We are busy working on plans and new health and safety measures we will need to introduce once we are given the green light to reopen our facilities.
“We want to get back to normal as soon as possible, but our customers are – and always have been – our main priority and it is essential all the correct procedures are in place so they feel safe to return. Things will obviously look a little different, but our trained staff will be on hand to make sure everyone is guided through the changes and feel safe in returning.
“The results from a number of surveys we have done indicate people are anxious to get back to regular exercise, with some feeling it is more important than ever to stay fit and healthy – and we will do everything we can to provide them a safe, fun and friendly environment in which to do so.”
Since lockdown, Pendle Leisure Trust staff have helped almost 1,250 vulnerable residents. A team of furloughed staff have been volunteering seven days a week in the Pendle Community Support Hub, which was set up to co-ordinate support for the borough’s most vulnerable residents and those without a circle of friends or family nearby to help them.
The fitness instructors, lifeguards, beauty therapists, reception and admin staff have temporarily swapped their roles to volunteer in the hub, taking calls and responding to emails to help with food and prescription deliveries, dog walking, mental health issues and dealing with social isolation and loneliness, as well as financial and debt advice.
The Trust has also kept fitness members active with regular online classes and following Government advice and guidelines have recently introduced outdoor one-to-one personal training sessions. Members who receive a free monthly PT as part of their membership are now able to take advantage of a 45-minute personal programme at Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre.
The running track at Seedhill is now also open two days a week for people to use.
Alison added: “I am very proud of my staff who have been doing a brilliant job in the Community Support Hub – and will continue to do so for the next few weeks - but now we must also concentrate on getting our facilities and activities up and running and be fully prepared for when the Prime Minister says it’s safe to welcome back our customers, who we have really missed.”