LEISURE centres in Ceredigion are expected to reopen next month, the County Council has revealed.

The announcement follows criticism that facilities had not yet reopened, despite updated guidelines allowing them to do so on Monday, May 3.

The Welsh Government has advised that gyms, fitness facilities, leisure centres, spas and swimming pools can now reopen, along with organised children’s indoor activities.

But Ceredigion council chiefs have stated that local sport and physical activity provision will restart on a "phased approach."

This will include the gradual re-opening of council operated leisure facilities, artificial turf pitches and playing fields.

The Council anticipates that indoor leisure facilities in the county will be permitted to open from July 5 onwards.

This would include Aberaeron leisure centre, Lampeter leisure centre and Lampeter swimming pool.

Cardigan Leisure Centre, however, will remain a mass vaccination centre for as long as required by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

In Aberystwyth, Plascrug Leisure Centre has now been returned to the local authority from the Health Board.

However, there are significant decommissioning and re-instatement works required, before it can operate as a leisure facility.

Depending on there being no significant increase in the number of cases in the county, 'wellbeing walks' will be allowed from 17 May.

Outdoor exercise classes; community use of outdoor facilities, including ATPs at Lampeter and Synod Inn, and playing fields will be permitted from May 28.

"It is recognised that the dates provided are potentially later than anticipated," said a Council spokesperson.

"However they have been set to ensure that we continue to reduce the risk of any increase in cases and play our part in supporting the local authority’s priorities in the county’s recovery from the coronavirus.

"The dates also enable staff who have been seconded to support other council services during the pandemic to return to their posts within the Wellbeing Centre Service."

Further information will be available on the Ceredigion Actif Website, www.ceredigionactif.org.uk and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

"We would like to thank all users of these facilities for their understanding during this challenging period," added the Council statement.

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back to our activity sessions and facilities."