Wakefield Council closes leisure centres, libraries and museums, but markets to remain open

Wakefield Council said shutting many of its facilities was a decision it had "not taken lightly", but that people's health remained the priority, in response to coronavirus.

Besides the six leisure centres, three museums and 12 libraries the council runs, Wakefield City Golf Course and changing rooms on Horbury Road will also be closed.

Manygates Adult Education Centre in Sandal will also remain shut, having been closed on Tuesday.

Although the public will still be able to access Pugneys and Anglers Country Parks, the cafe facilities will be closed at both.

As things stand however, the council says its six markets across the district, including indoor market halls at Pontefract and Castleford will remain open.

The Wakefield One building, Town Hall and County Hall in the city centre are also open to the public, as are the grounds at Pontefract Castle.

The council has told leisure centre users that their Aspire memberships will be frozen while the facilities remain shut and people with books due to be returned to libraries will not be fined.

The council's acting chief executive, Andrew Balchin, said: "This was not a decision we have taken lightly as we fully understand the impact this will have on many of our residents.

"This is part of the national effort to help manage the spread of the coronavirus and we will always put the safety, health and wellbeing of our residents at the heart of what we need to do.

"We appreciate that this may affect groups and individuals who use our facilities, especially vulnerable people and those who may support them, if this is the case I urge you to talk to us if you have any concerns.

"We are actively planning to expand our service offer to the most vulnerable groups including book delivery and the reuse of our library facilities as community hubs, and will announce details of these over the coming days.

"You have our assurance that we will continue to closely monitor and act on the latest government advice and will reopen the venues as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The council says anyone who'd pre-booked to use any its shut facilities will be refunded.

Tuesday saw the likes of cinemas, theatres, schools and sporting venues across the Wakefield district all announced closures.

It came after the government advised people against non-essential travel on Monday.

There have been a total of four confirmed coronavirus cases in the local area.

Mr Balchin added: "This is a fast changing situation and it is highly likely that more facilities or services may have to temporarily change or close. We will keep you updated on any changes following any changes to national government guidance.

“In the meantime, please let’s all look out for each other - our neighbours, friends and family.

"We will get through this if we pull together and show the calm, caring, resilient community spirit we have right across this district.

“The council is extending our support to people who are stepping up to help vulnerable, older people and those who may need extra assistance.

"More information on this will be shared very soon. We will be here for you.”

Following venues closed from Wednesday

Leisure centres - Sun Lane, Normanton, Featherstone, Pontefract, Minsthorpe and Thornes Park

Wakefield City Golf Course and changing rooms

Museums – Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract

Libraries – Wakefield, Pontefract, Castleford, Ossett, Normanton, Airedale, Featherstone, Hemsworth, Horbury, Sandal, South Elmsall and Stanley, along with the mobile library service

Country parks – access will be available to Pugneys and Anglers Country parks and toilets, but the café facilities will be closed

The Manygates Centre

Local Democracy Reporting Service