Larne Leisure Centre reopening plan ‘best news in a year’ says swimming club

The council has indicated plans to reopen the borough’s swimming poools next month.

In a post on social media on Thursday, the council said “Our fitness suites at Amphitheatre, Carrickfergus, Larne Leisure Centre and Seven Towers Leisure Centre are due to reopen on Friday, April 30 for individual training.

“We are working towards our swimming pools reopening on Friday, May 7.

“Access to our leisure centres is strictly by bookable session only for both members and non-members. Sessions can be booked seven days in advance.”

The announcement was made in line with an easing of Covid restrictions.

Commenting on the development, Peter Hill, head coach of Larne Swimming Club, said in an online post: “Communication from the council to the club has been very positive. It has been the best news in a year and it looks like they have the intention of opening the pool fully.

“We hope that when the council meet on May 4 that they make that decision and it is a positive one  for us. I think maybe our finger crossing has done the trick.

“I am starting to look forward to getting back in and having a much better second half of ’21 for us as a club.”

At the end of the first lockdown last year,  swimming pools in Mid and East Antrim remained shut for more than a month after being permitted to reopen. They closed for a second time just a few weeks later and have been shut since October.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

Click here to read: Swimming club’s frustration as Larne pool remains closed

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