HALO Leisure has revealed the week when it hopes to reopen the swimming pool in Hereford, more than a year after it closed.

Hereford Leisure Pool was forced to close in February 2020 when flooding caused major damage at the centre in St Martin's Avenue.

As the coronavirus lockdown eased in England on Monday, it paved the way for a return to the gym and swimming pool.

On April 12, Hereford Leisure Centre reopened along with sites in Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Kington.

Leominster Leisure Centre, in Coningsby Road, also opened its doors again for the first time since December.

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But Hereford Leisure Pool remains closed, with Halo now saying it plans to reopen the centre during the week beginning May 17.

The work at the site since February 2020 has included an electrical upgrade, fire alarm replacement, lighting and work to the plant room, lightning protection, anti-climb measures for the roof, roof mounted pipework and concrete repairs.

Hereford Times: Storm Dennis caused extensive problems at Hereford Leisure Pool, St Martin's Avenue, Hereford. Picture: Halo Leisure Storm Dennis caused extensive problems at Hereford Leisure Pool, St Martin's Avenue, Hereford. Picture: Halo Leisure

"The exact date and what activities will be available are still being finalised," a Halo Leisure spokesperson said.

"We will be in touch well before we reopen with people who have a membership at Hereford Leisure Pool and also the families who enjoyed swimming lessons – giving them all the information they need to know about working out and winding down again at Hereford Leisure Pool."

Hereford Times: Hereford Leisure Pool has been undergoing repairs since February 2020. Picture: Rob Davies Hereford Leisure Pool has been undergoing repairs since February 2020. Picture: Rob Davies

They added that from May 17, indoor group exercise classes will restart, as long as restrictions are eased by the UK Government.

England's lockdown is expected to be eased further from May 17, in what is referred to as step three.

According to the Government's roadmap, up to two households, or six individuals from other households, will be able to mix indoors again.

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Indoor entertainment and attractions such as indoor theme parks, cinemas and theatres will be allowed to open, and pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to serve food and drinks indoors.

In step three, football stadiums would be allowed to welcome fans back as the rules on outdoor seated events are relaxed.

The guidance says that all remaining outdoor entertainment (including performances), outdoor events and outdoor seated events can resume.

But implementing a limit as to how many people will be allowed into venues, it says outdoor venues will be limited to 4,000 (or half-full) people.

Meanwhile outdoor seated venues will be limited to up to 10,000 (or a quarter-full) people.