Ashby's Hood Park Leisure Centre is backing the petition to keep gyms open during the second lockdown - and is pushing to be recognised as an 'essential service' amid month-long closures.

Hood Park and Whitwick's Hermitage Leisure Centre, managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active, were forced to close for a prolonged period starting in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter from Everyone Active's Managing Director, David Bibby, concerns were raised about the tougher effect on the public this time around, with shorter hours of sunlight and colder weather affecting mental health and the motivation for people to exercise outdoors.

Research by industry body ukactive shows that 58 per cent of people managed their mental health by being active during the last lockdown, emphasising the role gyms and leisure facilities can play in providing vital sanctuaries for health and wellbeing this winter. 

Following the reopening of leisure facilities in July, Everyone Active, like other providers, implemented a host of strict operational measures to ensure the utmost safety across gym, swimming, group exercise and activities to protect both customers and colleagues. 

This included online booking systems to manage capacity at its centres and rigorous cleaning regimes, which it believes contributes to the low transmission rate reported across UK gyms. 

However, these efforts have been met with a news of a month's closure rather than recognition of the statistical data which reinforces the safe use of leisure centres. 

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's area contract manager, added: "This is an incredibly difficult time for the leisure industry and our centres in North West Leicestershire. 

"We are urging our members to get behind us and to support their local centre by signing the petition to encourage the Government to keep gyms open HERE.

"We're so proud of all our colleagues for their hard work and dedication to providing a safe environment for our customers and can't wait to reopen our doors once again."

To read Everyone Active's Managing Director, David Bibby's letter in full, visit: Calling on your support

For more information on Everyone Active, click HERE.