St Helens politicians celebrate U-turn over gym closures

Gyms and leisure centres closed last week as part of the decision to place the Liverpool City Region under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions.

City region leaders have come under fire for the decision, which they have repeatedly insisted they had no say in.

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Fury erupted on Friday when it was announced that gyms in leisure centres would not have to close in Lancashire after the Government announced the area would also be going into Tier 3 restrictions.

On Monday, the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, the Liverpool City Mayor and council leaders requested an ‘immediate review’ of the Government’s decision to close gyms in the region.

Talks with city region chiefs and the Government went late into the night on Tuesday, after it was announced that Greater Manchester would also be entering Tier 3 restrictions.

This morning, the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram revealed that the Government has now agreed to bring restrictions in line with other Tier 3 areas, meaning gyms could reopen, although soft play centres will close.

Council leaders and MPs from across the region have welcomed the move.

Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said: “I’m really pleased that pressure from myself and other Merseyside MPs, alongside Steve Rotheram and local council leaders, has forced a Government U-turn.

“Our gyms and leisure centres are vital for physical and mental health. I for one am looking forward to getting back to Newton Leisure Centre for a swim and a bit of exercise as soon as I can.

“And I hope all the private gyms and sole trader fitness instructors can get back to work this weekend.”

St Helens Borough Council leader David Baines said last week that council leaders were concerned by the potential impact of closing leisure facilities on the physical and mental health of residents.

Following its latest U-turn, Cll Baines said he is happy the Government have “finally relented and seen sense”.

Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness centre is set to reopen

Cllr Baines said: “It was a mistake by Government to close gyms and leisure centres here without any scientific evidence and without any obvious regard for the impact on people’s physical and mental health.

“We’ve been pushing for them to reopen since it was first announced and I’m very happy government have finally relented and seen sense.”

Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said it is the move to reopen gyms and leisure centres is a “positive step”.

“Physical health and good mental wellbeing are vital to getting our community through this crisis”, she said.

“Yet it is remarkable that the Government shut them in the first place.

“After the decision to shut gyms was made, I asked the Prime Minister to provide me with the evidence behind the decisions. He promised he would but has failed to do so.”

Ms Rimmer also blasted the Government for its handling of the new three-tiered system, saying it “defeated the purpose” of the whole system by attempting to apply bespoke rules in individual Tier 3 areas.

“The whole point of the three-tiered system was to make it easier for everyone to understand” Ms Rimmer said.

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“The Government failed to achieve this. By introducing slightly different rules for Lancashire than it did for us in Merseyside, the Government defeated the purpose of the tiered system.

“It is now more important than ever that we work as a community and follow the new guidelines.

“Together we can and we will get through this.”