Northamptonshire leisure centre backs petition urging the Government to reopen gyms

A leisure centre in Northamptonshire is backing a campaign to reopen gyms and ensure they are recognised as an ‘essential service’.

Daventry Leisure Centre, operated by Everyone Active, in partnership with Daventry District Council, is once again closed due to the second national lockdown.

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 the industry’s governing body, ukactive, also shows that 58 percent of people managed their mental health by being active during the first national lockdown, so Daventry Leisure Centre, alongside many other gyms, are campaigning to urge the Government to change the restrictions.

Jamie Brightwell, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for the leisure industry and our centre in Daventry.

“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.

“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.”

A Parliamentary committee is due to hold a debate on Covid-19 restrictions on gyms and sport on Monday (November 23).

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