Torridge Pool and Gym Reopens

Torridge Pool, in Bideford re-opened the gym and swimming pool to customers on Monday 12th April, in line with government guidelines following almost 4 long months of closure.

The first week has seen over 300 children resume their swim lessons, over 50 people attend the gym and pool each day and 100 children from Torridgeside swimming club return to the pool over this first week. In just the first week of opening staff have already seen a huge amount of interest and demand from people wanting to sign up, especially within its hugely popular learn to swim programme, having signed an additional 35 new swimmers in the first few days.

General Manager Marci Baxter said – “The last 12 months has been difficult for the leisure industry, but Torridge Pool plays a vital role in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the area. We are so excited to be able to welcome people back through our doors.”

“We are, like many leisure providers in the UK today, more than just a gym or local pool. Our facilities have become a place where people can change their lives and improve their health and wellbeing. Our team has worked hard to ensure our centre is safe, fresh and in line with government guidelines and with advice from UK Active, Swim England and Public Health England. “

The staff at Torridge Pool have worked hard over the last few weeks to implement all the necessary changes to ensure customers and staff are safe. This includes sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning procedures, one way systems, comprehensive staff training, amended pool and gym capacities and timetable, and plastic shield installation between machines in the gym.

All customers will be required to pre-book online before they attend. https://www.1610.org.uk/centres/torridge/class_timetable/

Torridge pool is operated by Leisure Trust 1610, on behalf of Torridge District Council. The Trust also operates Torrington Pool and Holsworthy Leisure Centre. The Trust had hoped to open Torrington Pool on 12th April, but unfortunately on a routine boiler service it found that the burner was split. This is something that could not have been planned for and a new part has been ordered. 1610 and Torridge District Council have been working closely to make a number of improvements and will publish a new opening date as soon as it has more details. When the pool reopens it will be able to provide community swimming, swimming lessons and school swimming. As well as welcome the return of Torridgeside swimming club to their home pool.

Holsworthy Leisure Centre will be reopening later in May following some improvements taking place over the next few weeks.

Notes for Editors: 1610 is a non-profit making leisure trust which manages 10 leisure facilities across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. 1610 aims to help people live fuller, richer lives through having an active body and an active mind.

For more information about 1610 or if you require further information or images associated with this press release contact Rebecca Sawtell rsawtell@1610.org.uk or on 07808767468.

April 2021