Coronavirus: Bury St Edmunds, Brandon, Haverhill, Mildenhall and Newmarket Leisure Centres to close
West Suffolk Council is to close its five leisure centres to help delay the spread of coronavirus.
The leisure centres in Bury St Edmunds, Brandon, Haverhill, Mildenhall and Newmarket will shut from 4pm tomorrow (March 20).
They are managed on behalf of the council by Abbeycroft Leisure.
Council leader John Griffiths said: "We are acting on Government instructions to protect the health of our communities through avoiding unnecessary travel and minimising social contact.
"We appreciate the impact the loss of amenities will have on customers but hope they will agree that protecting more vulnerable residents is a priority, and look forward to welcoming them back as soon as is safe to do so. Our focus continues to remain on supporting and improving the health of our communities and businesses."
Cllr Jo Rayner, cabinet member for leisure, culture and community hubs, said: "We will be freezing memberships to avoid financial loss for leisure centre members and hope that they are able to maintain some wellbeing in our award winning parks and open spaces.
"Parents using our play areas with their children will understand the vital importance of hand washing and choosing less busy times, but will doubtless welcome being able to get outside.
"While bearing in mind national guidelines on travel and self distancing it’s worth noting that organisations around West Suffolk, such as the National Trust, are keeping their parks open for the same reasons."
