The region’s leaders consistently requested the scientific evidence that supported the closure of gyms and leisure centres in the area, after Lancashire was allowed to keep facilities open under Tier 3 restrictions. 

Following negotiations with the government on behalf of leaders and MPs across the City Region, Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said gyms and leisure centres would be allowed to reopen but soft play areas would close.

“I argued that gyms in the Liverpool City Region were no less safe than those in Lancashire – that had been allowed to remain open,” said Mayor Rotheram.

“I also convinced them that – as we now had local Test and Tracing (and had been chosen as a pilot area to trial new Test Technologies) – we could manage the safety of gym users as well as anywhere in the country.”