LEISURE centres run by Hambleton District Council are now closed for the foreseeable future.

These closures include the centres in Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby as well as the artificial turf pitch at Thirsk School.

A spokesman said: "The council will then give full consideration to government guidance with regards to when it will be appropriate for us to reopen but clearly the health and safety of all our customers, visitors and employees has to come first."

Direct Debit membership payments will be suspended the council said it will ensure that customers are not ‘out of pocket’ as a result of the closures.

Due to the current risk of coronavirus, the district council is also restricting face to face customer access to the Civic Centre in Northallerton.

Meanwhile, the area offices at Town Close, Stokesley and Police Station, Easingwold closed on Thursday.