Update on swimming pool re-opening in Milton Keynes

Newport Pagnell Town Council issued a statement today about the town's Middleton Pool and fitness centre.

It said it was "strongly committed" to re-opening the facility as soon as it is practicable.

The statement said: "Owing to the Covid-19 restrictions, no leisure centres have been allowed to be open to the public since mid-March. This may change in July, and the Town Council has been working alongside our partner, Places Leisure, on the possibility of re-opening the facilities."

It added: "There are many challenges regarding opening, particularly with respect to the social distancing measures that are currently in place across the country, which will of course impact upon the way in which all leisure centres can operate. These include separation areas between every piece of gym equipment, and restrictions on the use of changing facilities.

"As there has been no income during the three months’ closure, there is a very significant cost which the Town Council is bound to meet. There will be further costs once the premises are re-opened resulting from the ongoing restrictions."

The statement concluded: "Newport Town Council recognises the importance of Middleton Pool to local people and is strongly committed to re-opening the fitness centre and pool as soon as practicable and legally allowed."