Partial re-opening of Calderdale sport centres and libraries after lockdown

From today the borough is in the highest level of restrictions to control infection rates – Tier 3: Very High Alert.

In line with government guidance to keep people safe, Calderdale Council closed its sports facilities and libraries when national restrictions started on Thursday November 5 (

In Tier 3, leisure and sports facilities can open, but group exercise classes, including fitness and dance, should not go ahead.

Councillor Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said: “We’re pleased to be able to start reopening our sports centres and libraries. We know how much people value these services, and we’re committed to helping people stay active and emotionally well.

“However, we are taking a careful and gradual approach to reopening services, as the COVID-19 rate is still too high in Calderdale. We’re doing everything we can to control the virus and keep the whole community safe. Our services remain under regular review and we will keep people updated.

“Sports and libraries staff who have been redeployed are doing a fantastic job supporting our response to the pandemic. They have been using their skills to help with work such as engagement with communities and enforcement.”

Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre and Todmorden Sports Centre will reopen from Thursday December 3, with safety measures to protect customers and staff.

For example, the number of people allowed in the buildings is limited via a booking system to enable social distancing; hand sanitiser is available throughout; and additional cleaning is taking place.

North Bridge Leisure Centre remains closed until further notice, as it continues to be used as an important distribution centre during the pandemic.

Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre is currently closed whilst the pool tiles undergo essential repairs, and will reopen as soon as the work is complete.

Throughout the national restrictions, the Council’s Home Library Service continued and the Central Library in Halifax provided a click and collect service.

The Central Library has reopened today and is continuing its select and collect service, with safety measures, limited browsing of stock and free access to computers through appointments to help reduce digital exclusion.

The hub libraries in Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, King Cross, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden will reopen by January 2021 and the other libraries remain closed until further notice.