FACE masks must be worn at all times – except for when a fitness activity is being undertaken – inside council-run leisure centres from next week.

Brio Leisure, the community interest company set up by Cheshire West and Chester Council to operate its leisure facilities, has confirmed that it will be mandatory to wear a face covering from Monday, August 17.

Christleton Sports Centre, Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Neston Recreation Centre and the Northgate Arena all reopened their doors on Saturday, July 25.

The centres had been forced to temporarily close back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brio Leisure said today: "As of Monday 17 August face coverings will be mandatory to wear at all times inside of our centres, except when undertaking your activity.

"This is part of our next phase of opening, in which we begin to allow more people into our centres.

"Staff will be wearing face coverings too, but we don’t have the resources to hand out complimentary masks to visitors, nor have the set up to sell these, so please remember to bring yours or you won’t be able to enter the centre.

"Thanks for your cooperation, it helps ensure the safety of our staff and customers."

Last week, Brio confirmed that Frodsham Leisure Centre would be reopening "very soon" with a further update expected this week.