COVID safety measures at Flintshire leisure facilities have been receiving good feedback from customers since reopening.

Aura Leisure and Libraries, a charitable not-for-profit organisation, began reintroducing leisure services for the community following the announcement that leisure centres were permitted to re-open in Wales from August 10.

The organisation's phased reopening began with the gyms at Mold Leisure Centre and the Jade Jones Pavilion Flint which welcomed customers back on August 10, followed by the reopening of swimming pools at Mold and Buckley Leisure Centre and the Jade Jones Pavilion Flint on August 17.

From September 1, Aura welcomed back children from across Flintshire to resume swimming lessons.

The 3G pitch at Flint High School also re-opened for Aura-led coaching sessions from August 10, followed by the artificial turf pitch (ATP) at Mold Leisure Centre and the 3G pitch at Flint High School on August 17 for national governing body (NGB) affiliated clubs.

The ATP at Buckley Leisure Centre is due to be replaced shortly with work anticipated to be completed by the end of September.

Ten Pin Bowling at the Jade Jones Pavilion Flint also reopened to the public on August 24.

A spokesman for Aura said: "Measures have been put in place, in line with Government guidance, to ensure the safety of customers and employees, and Aura has implemented strict social distancing guidelines in order to keep customers safe when returning to enjoy leisure services.

"The gym at Mold Leisure Centre has been extended into the two first floor studios, and the gym at the Jade Jones Pavilion Flint has been extended into the indoor flat green bowling rink. "Both are temporary measures to ensure that appropriate social distancing can take place and allow customers to feel safe when using the gym or attending a fitness class."

Gym users have shared good feedback with the company regarding the distancing and cleaning protocol.

Similarly, the response on social media after the re-opening of Aura swimming pools has been very positive, with customers praising Aura’s commitment to providing a safe and clean environment.

Paul Jones, Aura’s business improvement and performance manager, said: “We have been delighted to be able to welcome back customers and reintroduce leisure services for the community. "The current climate has meant we have had to be creative in finding solutions which enable us to accommodate the largest number of returning customers in the safest way possible. "Customers have responded very well to the social distancing measures in place as well as our new booking and on-site operational procedures.

"Fitness classes are mostly at full capacity and we are looking to further develop the programme. We are so pleased to see the growth in customer confidence to return to physical exercise.'’

The whole Aura team has thanked the community for its continued support and a spokesman added the company looks forward to reintroducing further leisure and library services that exist to inspire mental and physical wellbeing.

Aura is encouraging all customers to visit its website and to follow @aura_wales on Twitter and @walesaura on Facebook for further updates.

The company's Customer Services Team can be contacted at info@aura.wales or via telephone on 01352 704302 / 704316 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am -5:00pm).

To read Aura’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the reintroduction of its services, visit the Aura website: www.aura.wales