COUNCIL-owned leisure centres are "likely to remain closed for weeks" because vital upgrades are needed to make sure they comply with COVID safety guidelines.

Leisure centres and indoor gyms, along with swimming pools and other indoor sports facilities have been closed since March as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Checks of the facilities have shown ventilation within the buildings does not meet new government guidelines, meaning the authority would need to invest significant amounts of money, at a time when budgets are under pressure, to make improvements.

New systems would mean air is extracted and replaced with a fresh supply more frequently to meet the updated regulations – an important step to make sure gym-goers and staff are safe.

A council spokesperson said that given the nature and scale of the work needed, and the fact some sites are still being used as testing sites and bases for Wirral’s COVID-19 response, it is likely to be some weeks yet before they open their doors again.

Cllr Pat Hackett, Leader of the Council said: "We fully understand that many people want to come back as soon as possible and we are working hard to make sure the upgrades are completed as quickly as they can be.

"We have explored every option to see if we can open some indoor parts of our facilities, but it is just not possible.

"We will however continue to offer both outdoor and online classes, as well as golf at all four of our courses.

"We are sorry for the delay, and we hope you can stick with us."