LEISURE centres and swimming pools reopened across the region earlier this week after more than four months of closure.

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, such facilities and gyms were allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council have already started reopening its sites to the public.

We've put together a list of the leisure facilities that are now open - and the facilities set to reopen later this week. 

We recommend contacting each venue for individual opening hours to avoid disappointment.

County Durham

Abbey Leisure Centre - open

Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre - open

The Louisa Centre - open 

Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre - open 

Spennymoor Leisure Centre - open

Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre (gym only) - Wednesday 

Consett Leisure Centre - Wednesday 

Meadowfield Leisure Centre - Wednesday 

Shildon-Sunnydale Leisure Centre (gym will be open) - Wednesday 

Teesdale Leisure Centre - Wednesday 

Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex - Wednesday 

Darlington

The Dolphin Centre - open

Eastbourne Sports Complex - open

Some of the safety measures that have been introduced at leisure facilities

The local authority has said it has extra staff to support customers in following new social distancing measures. 

It said it has installed signage, introduced strict cleaning regimes, extra hand sanitiser and cleaning stations at its sites. 

Some gym equipment has been moved and safety screens put in place - the numbers of people has been limited.

Customers are urged to pre-book gym sessions and classes, arrive five minutes before your session start time.

Arrive wearing clothing sutable for your activity - changing rooms and showers are closed and lockers are not available.

Bring their own mats and blocks for fitness classes and belts and chalk for the gym as these are not provided.

Bring your own drink - water fountains are no longer available.