Leisure centres across Dwyfor and Meirionnydd have welcomed people back for the first time since March, but some will remain closed for the time being.

Byw’n Iach, the company behind most of the area's centres, is in the process of reopening some of them safely following lockdown.

The safety of customers and staff is the highest priority and the team have worked very hard to introduce changes to the premises and employee training arrangements have been put in place so that the people of Gwynedd have the opportunity to train and exercise in a safe environment.

Penllyn (Bala) and Glaslyn (Porthmadog) opened on 21 August, with Glaslyn swimming pool opening to the public yesterday, 21 September.

Plas Silyn (Penygroes), Dwyfor in Pwllheli (dry facilities only), Glan Wnion (Dolgellau) and the Pavilion (Barmouth) reopened yesterday, and the Bro Dysynni Byw’n Iach centre will reopen by 5 October. There has been a delay in opening the centre in Tywyn as a result of necessary maintenance work.

Unfortunately technical problems mean that there will be further delays in opening Byw’n Iach Bro Ffestiniog, Dwyfor Swimming Pool and Penllyn (Y Bala) Swimming Pool. Once a timetable is available for the re-opening of these facilities, Byw’n Iach will release an update on their website and social media accounts.

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones, Chair of the Board of Byw’n Iach, said: “We understand that a large number of you are very keen to see more services offered. The staff are working very hard to allow that to happen.

“More information on things like free swimming, personal training sessions, children’s training sessions and swimming lessons will be released over the coming weeks.

“Our priority is to offer these services whilst keeping users and staff safe”.

In line with the recent Welsh Government announcement, visitors to centres that are 11 years and older, are required to wear a face covering within the centres

Face coverings must be worn upon entry to the leisure centre, in reception areas, in any other public areas (toilets, changing rooms, corridors etc.) and when leaving the centre after exercising.

At present it is not possible to offer Exercise Referral sessions / NERS on Byw’n Iach sites, with the company awaiting an update from health partners before planning the next step.

Meanwhile staff continue to offer online support through Zoom to existing clients. This has proved very popular during the lockdown.

Amanda Davies, Managing Director of Byw’n Iach added: “There will be inevitable changes in terms of how you use the centres to protect customers and staff. For example, advance booking, very limited use of changing facilities and some areas and services will not be available from the start etc.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people back to our centres, but it’s important that everyone remembers to observe social distancing and follow all our other Covid guidelines during every visit.

“Our website has detailed information on our Covid arrangements, how the centres will work and what services will be available at each centre.”

Activities must be booked in advance and all customers will need to declare that they are fit and have not been advised to isolate before visiting.

The number of people who can take part in any activities will be limited to ensure social distancing.

There will be limited use of changing rooms, so you will need to arrive already changed for your activity.

There will be provision for disabled people.

New sanitary stations will be located around each building.

Equipment and sessions will have moved to a new location in several centres to create more.

The appearance of the centres will have changed with the introduction of reception screens, new signage throughout each centre and some areas and equipment will be out of use e.g water fountains and vending machines.

Staff will supervise to ensure that the new rules are understood and adhered to.