LEISURE centres and libraries across Flintshire are to close amid coronavirus concerns.

Aura Leisure and Libraries, which runs the majority of the facilities in the county, has announced the move that will see 14 leisure centres and libraries close in Flintshire on Friday until further notice.

The leisure centres include Buckley, Deeside, Jade Jones Pavilion in Flint, Mold, Flint High School sports centre, Hope Sports Centre and Saltney Sports Centre.

The libraries to shut are Deeside, Broughton, Buckley, Connah's Quay, Flint, Holywell and Mold, as well as the Mobile Library service.

An Aura Leisure and Libraries statement said: “Following an evaluation of the current situation regarding Covid-19, and having considered the views of our key partners, Aura has made the difficult decision to close our leisure centres and libraries effective from Friday, 20 March 2020.

"This is not a decision that we ever anticipated making and, though taken with a heavy heart, it is one which puts the safety and well-being of our loyal and active customers first.

The organisation said it is currently working through our existing bookings and will contact customers regarding these in the near future.

Its normal terms and conditions will not apply during the period of closure and it will not be collecting any Direct Debit payments during the period of closure.

Any pre-paid memberships, for example, annual gym memberships, will be extended to compensate for the period of closure.

Aura Library Members can access free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, magazines and comics directly to their devices from home. You just need your Library membership number or it is free to join online for instant access.

The statement continued: “Once it is safe to re-open our doors (subject to guidance) we look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy our services and activities.

"We know how valued leisure centres and libraries are to our local communities and they will be more important than ever once the current pandemic is over.

"We wish to thank all of our customers for their continued support. Please bear with us during this challenging period and remember that Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving residents’ health and well-being.”