It has been confirmed that gyms will be allowed to reopen, following calls from local leaders.
The following statement was issued this morning (Wednesday) by the Metro Mayor and Leaders of the Liverpool City Region:
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “On behalf of the Leaders and MPs across our City Region, I entered into further talks with 10 Downing Street last night to highlight the inconsistencies of the measures that we had been placed under – following the Government’s decision to impose Tier 3 restrictions in our area.
“Collectively we have consistently requested the scientific evidence that supported the imposition of the suite of measures under tier 3 – and we have pointed out the inconsistencies of approach following the announcement that Lancashire would not have exactly the same package of restrictions as our City Region.
“Talks continued till late last night – and the Government have agreed with the case that I put forward – that they would now bring us in line with other Tier 3 area – so that (like Lancashire and Greater Manchester) – soft play areas would be closed – but that gyms could reopen.
“I argued that gyms in the Liverpool City Region were no less safe than those in Lancashire – that had been allowed to remain open.
“I also convinced them that – as we now had local Test and Tracing (and had been chosen as a pilot area to trial new Test Technologies) – we could manage the safety of gym users as well as anywhere in the country.
“The Government will now include the provision to rescind their original decision – when they lay the legislation before Parliament tomorrow – on the orders for Greater Manchester.”
Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader Halton Borough Council added:
“We are pleased that Government has listened to the strong case put forward by Halton and the Liverpool City Region to allow gyms and leisure centres to reopen provided they are Covid safe.
“The new tiered arrangements were intended to provide a consistent set of measures, which until this decision, had not been the case.
“This is good news for our local gyms and leisure centres and the many people who enjoy their facilities to support their physical and mental health.
“This is another example how Halton working with the Liverpool City Region gives us more power and influence.”
