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More than 1,000 people enjoyed swim, gym and fitness sessions on the first day of Â鶹ÊÓƵ reopening its leisure centres across the Borough.

The Council safely reopened its leisure sites on Monday (27 July), with a revised swim, gym and fitness class offer. Facilities also returned with new look gyms, spacious studios, more sessions and more choice.

New measures have also been put in place to ensure numbers comply with government guidance, with users required to pre-book their session in advance over the phone.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "After four months of closure, it's been very encouraging to see so many people keen to get back to our leisure centres. We're delighted that the feedback received from those visiting on the first day of reopening (Monday 27 July) has been really positive.

"We have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to get our centres reopened as soon as possible. South Tyneside is also the first council locally to reopen with a full programme of activity and, as such, demand is very high.

"When we reopened our phone lines over the weekend, we received more than 15,000 calls to Haven Point alone. Understandably, when people call up, they have lots of queries about the new arrangements.

"We do expect this demand to settle over time and we would like to reassure people that there are plenty of swim, gym and fitness classes available for users to enjoy. Bookings can also be made by calling any of our centres - it doesn't have to be the one they intend to visit.

"We continue to monitor the new arrangements very closely to make sure our centres are running as safely and efficiently as possible and look at what additional measures may be needed. We thank customers for their patience and understanding at this time."

For those with monthly memberships, direct debit payments will not resume until 1 September, giving members access to the facilities free of charge while they familiarise themselves with the new arrangements. For other users, contactless payment is preferred at this time when they visit the centre.

Customers are encouraged to attend a centre if they have pre-booked a session only and not visit centres to make a booking. This will help to avoid extra delay for those who are attending for their pre-booked sessions. Non-members can only book on the same day subject to availability.

Further information about Â鶹ÊÓƵ leisure centres, opening hours, booking details, what to do before visiting and memberships, is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure

Alternatively call:

• Haven Point - (0191) 424 7800;
• Hebburn Central - (0191) 424 7801;
• Temple Park Centre - (0191) 456 9119;
• Jarrow Focus - (0191) 489 4100;
• Monkton Stadium - (0191) 489 1283.