SWIMMING and gym facilities at Leisure World in Colchester will reopen to the public after four months following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.

The leisure and fitness pools and the Activia gym at the Cowdray Avenue venue will be available for use again from Saturday.

New signage, a one-way system, hand sanitiser stations and a new cleaning regime have been put in place to ensure the venue is safe.

Only a limited number of customers will be able to attend the centre at a time and activities will need to be booked online before visiting.

Changing rooms will be open for customers using the swimming pools but will remain closed to gym users until further notice.

Lockers inside the gym are available for storing small items.

Theresa Higgins, councillor responsible for commercial services, said: "Leisure World facilities are an important part for the health and wellbeing of many residents.

"I know the reopening of the gym and fitness pool will be a relief for existing members and exciting for new customers.

“We’re really keen to help everyone to stay fit and active during the pandemic, so we’ve removed membership joining fees for the foreseeable future.

“It’s really important customers book sessions before visiting the centre to allow Leisure World to practice social distancing.

"If a booking is not made unfortunately you will be asked to leave and re-visit once a booking is made.”

Leisure World sites in Tiptree and Highwoods will reopen at a later date.

Bookings can be made from Wednesday at colchesterleisureworld.co.uk.