LEISURE facilities, gyms, libraries and select outdoor attractions managed by Shropshire Council can reopen from Monday, April 12.

The facilities will reopen after the Government announced step two of the roadmap out of the third Lockdown in England will go ahead, as its criteria had been met.

The reopening of sites includes Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, which will welcome customers once again from Thursday 15 April.

To keep service users, staff, volunteers and communities across Shropshire safe, Covid-19-secure measures will be in place at all sites.

Clare Featherstone, Shropshire council’s culture, leisure and tourism manager, said: "“ third Lockdown has been incredibly tough for us all and has really focused our minds on what we miss, including access to leisure and gym facilities and community facilities.

“We have worked hard to make sure our sites are safe to open to enable the people of Shropshire to exercise and access important community services.

“Our sites have been closed for a long time so we are really looking forward to beginning to reopen them and for customers to return.”

Oswestry Leisure Centre is not managed by Shropshire Council directly, but it is expected to reopen while Whitchurch swimming pool is expected to remain closed as social distancing measures cannot be implemented.

Libraries across Shropshire will also be reopening from Monday, April 12.

Opening hours will be reduced for the time being and Covid-19-secure measures will be in place in all libraries to help keep staff, customers and communities safe.

Library customers will be able to access computers, but are asked to book sessions in advance by contacting the relevant library.

In line with current Government guidance, physical events will not be running, but online events such as weekly rhyme and story times will continue.

We recognise that this continues to be a difficult time for many of us so fines for overdue items remain suspended.

For more information and to contact your local library, visit the website: http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/

Meanwhile, Acton Scott Working Farm in Church Stretton will reopen on Thursday, April 15 – for more, head to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/acton-scott-historic-working-farm