BURY Leisure sports centres are now open for safe, socially distanced exercise with brand new state-of-the-art refurbished gyms at each facility.

Castle Leisure Centre, Radcliffe Leisure Centre and Ramsbottom Pool and Fitness Centre have all re-opened their doors with covid-secure measures and working practices. Members and customers are being welcomed back for gym sessions, group fitness classes, swimming and racquet sports.

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “During lockdown the Bury Leisure team was busy getting our centres ready and in tip-top condition to safely welcome members and customers back.

“After such a tough year, it’s great to see so many happy faces again as people enjoy getting back to what they love: and everyone’s really delighted with the fabulous new equipment in all our gyms.”

As Bury Leisure customers return and start getting back into their exercise routine they have been remarking on the new gyms and the warm welcome they have received.

Radcliffe Leisure Centre user Chris Radford said: “The new gym looks amazing, very modern with all state-of-the-art kit and the staff at Bury Leisure are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and can’t do enough for their clients.”

Another Radcliffe gym user, David McLaughlin, said: “Great equipment, all new machines and lots of variety plus very friendly and helpful staff – and there’s a great atmosphere. I highly recommend to all ages.”

On a visit to Castle Leisure Centre, Denise Barlow said: “Loving the new equipment. It’s great to be coming back, I always feel comfortable coming.”

Tracey Rothwell added: “Great transformation, new equipment, very clean and socially distanced. Very friendly and helpful staff - good to be back.”

To take part in activities at a Bury Leisure centre, please book in advance at www.bury.gov.uk/buryleisureor call 0161 253 7000. Bookings can be made seven days in advance by members and five days in advance by pay-as-you-go customers. Racquet sport courts are currently restricted to a maximum of six players or two households.