SAFETY is the watchword at Wellington Sports Centre now that it has re-opened after being closed for four months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The centre, run by Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset West and Taunton Council, opened its doors again towards the end of July and fitness fans are heading back.

Manager Nick Gollaglee said: “We are delighted to re-open our doors and welcome back the local community, including all our new members. Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements we have implemented to ensure we adhere to the guidance.”

Extensive safety measures have been brought in because of Covid-19. A one-way system operates throughout the centre, and in the swimming pool and the gym, so that users go in through one door and leave by another.

All activities need to be booked beforehand and either pre-paid or paid for by card in the sports centre. Sneeze screens and hand sanitiser are much in evidence.

In the gym, tape marks off the fixed weights machines and other areas for the user’s exclusive use to ensure social distancing. Sessions last for 50 minutes with ten minutes allowed for staff to clean down before the next session, and a ‘fogging’ machine is used just after lunchtime and at closedown to completely sanitise the area. Numbers in the gym are limited to 23 with some of the equipment now moved to what had been the dance studio next door.

The sports hall is not available yet for five-a-side football and gymnastics, and the sauna and steam room in the pool cannot be used, but badminton players can now enjoy a game with the squash courts set to re-open towards the end of August.

Exercise classes such as group cycling, yoga, Pilates, body pump and body combat are up and running.

The pool, like the gym has 50-minute time slots for swimming, changing points two metres apart and slow, medium and fast lanes, each for a maximum of ten swimmers.

There is no minimum age for lane swimming but everyone must be a competent swimmer and able to swim multiple lengths. Swimming lessons are taking place being but with reduced numbers in classes.

Customers can book most easily through the Everyone Active app but can also do so on the phone, in person or via the website – where full details of the operator’s measures can also be found.