Sunderland Conservatives have welcomed Sunderland Council’s efforts to reopen the city’s Everyone Active gyms and leisure facilities later this month.

The Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced on Thursday that indoor gyms and pools can begin to reopen from 25th July – as long as social distancing is in place.

The Everyone Active leisure facilities – which are located across Sunderland, Washington and Houghton – are run by SLM, which has confirmed it is preparing to reopen its centres.

The move will provide a further boost to the local economy as gyms’ membership fees recommence and staff members are eased off the furlough scheme.

It will also be welcomed by self-employed personal trainers and fitness coaches across the city who are able to return to work.

William Blackett, Shadow Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said:

“Regular exercise has played a major role for many during lockdown, so it is great to see gyms reopening so people can continue to improve their health.

“Many jobs are linked to our gyms in Sunderland so the reopening will also play an important role in getting our local economy up and running."