Ammanford and Llandovery leisure centres to reopen

It comes as the Welsh Government announced its latest easing of restrictions.

New measures have been put in place at the leisure centres to ensure visitors and staff are safe whilst using the centres, and not all facilities or activities will be available.

Swim, gym, fitness pod and class programmes must be pre-booked through the Actif Sport and Leisure website or app, and sessions will be limited.

Customers should expect to observe social distancing, follow one-way systems, use sanitisation stations and to wipe down kit after use. Water fountains and vending will not be available.

People will be asked to arrive ‘ready to go’ wearing kits or swimming costumes under clothes.

Changing rooms and showers will not be available for gym and class customers, and swim customers will be allocated a changing space but will not be able to use lockers or showers.

Announcing the news, Carmarthenshire council's executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming all our customers back to our centres. We need to be mindful that the virus has not gone away and we must do everything we can to limit the spread. The safety of our customers and staff is paramount so please ensure you behave responsibly, consider others around and follow staff instruction when visiting the centres. We want you to enjoy your visit and help you to protect yourself and others.”

The county's leisure centres have been closed since the country went into lockdown in March, with two of the centres being re-purposed as temporary field hospitals to support the NHS.

These centres, at Carmarthen and Llanelli, are still under the management of Hywel Dda University Health Board and will not be re-opened until further notice.

Newcastle Emlyn and St Clears will also reopen on Monday, August 10. Sport facilities at Penrhos and Coedcase schools in Llanelli will reopen, but at a later date to be announced.