As the re-opening of our venues comes into view we are working hard behind the scenes to accommodate the return of sports clubs and community organisations at our venues.
Our over-riding priority is to ensure that clubs and participants can return to a safe environment which complies with government advice on safe distancing, cleaning and hygiene. Whilst we are excited at the prospect of re-opening and welcoming you back, we ask for your patience - there may be instances where it is either not safe or economically viable for us to re-open just yet. Where this is the case we will provide as much advance notice as possible to allow you to plan accordingly.
We are also reviewing all lets and activity spaces and in the short-term may need to adapt or reschedule some booking slots. Again, we will let you know if your booking is affected.
In line with Sports Governing Body guidance, sports clubs will need to provide West Lothian Leisure (WLL) with a risk assessment before they return so we can see that your activity has considered and actioned and changes to your activity session to meet government and SGB guidance. Further details on this process will follow shortly as individual sports return.
Specific to pitch bookings and in line with Government Guidance, I am delighted to confirm that professional clubs may return to outdoor use from 13th July, and under 18 organised/community club sessions may return also from the 13th July. As stated previously, each club will need to demonstrate that they are able to meet NGB and government guidance as part of their let conditions prior to bookings being agreed including appropriate risk assessments. Further detail of this will be communicated via social media - please continue to either monitor our Facebook page or website for updates.
In terms of sport returning within the school environment, the current Educational Continuity Direction from Scottish Ministers means that unfortunately West Lothian Leisure or West Lothian Council cannot currently permit access to any school sports facilities. Scottish Ministers have undertaken to review this Direction by 22 July.
As soon as there is a change, we will be in touch with our clubs directly to reinstate bookings pending acceptable risk assessments being submitted from the club and available space. Alternatively, if we can accommodate any requirements within our Xcite Venues on a temporary basis, then again we will be in touch in the lead up to a re-opening date being confirmed."
Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding as we respond to a fast-changing environment. Please note the majority of WLL are furloughed or working from home. For any urgent club-related enquiries please contact clubbookings@westlothianleisure.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Tim Dent
Chief Executive
West Lothian Leisure