LEISURE centres in the Forest of Dean are set to reopen their doors to the public next week.

All three of the district’s leisure centres, in Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney, will reopen on April 12 in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions across England.

Most activities at the leisure centres will be available including gym, swimming, racket sports and children’s swimming lessons.

Group exercise classes will not be available upon opening but should recommence in May as permitted by government guidelines.

The three leisure centres, which are operated by not-for-profit trust Freedom Leisure in partnership with the district council, have been closed since England went into lockdown for a third time on January 5.

A statement from Freedom leisure said: “We are so grateful to our customers for their patience, support and loyalty once again during the closure of the leisure centres in the Forest of Dean.

“With winter out of the way it is time to start getting active ready to make the most of summer 2021, which we all hope will be very different from last year.”

Peter Williams, Head of Paid Service for Forest of Dean District Council, said: “We are excited to be able to reopen the leisure centres very soon for residents of the Forest of Dean District.

“Residents should keep an eye on their inboxes and check their closest centre’s update pages to find out accurate information on the new opening times and activity programmes.

“For anyone looking at going back to the gym or leisure centres in the coming weeks I would urge them to look at the great facilities we offer across the Forest.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director of Freedom Leisure, added: ”We look forward to seeing everyone using their local leisure centre again, and the teams can’t wait to get back to providing our local communities with opportunities for exercise, activity and the chance to socialise safely.”

Information on reopening times and activities can be found at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk.