The company responsible for running most of Cornwall's leisure centres has warned people to 'use them or lose them' to protect them from permanent closure.

Sports centres and swimming pools have now reopened again after the second lockdown, with 14 of them run by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as Better leisure facilities on behalf of Cornwall Council.

It is a charitable social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation that employs more than 900 people across Cornwall.

But James Curry, GLL’s head of service in Cornwall, said it was important people used the centres under the new Covid-safe regulations, to make sure they stayed open.

He said: “We’re working really hard to keep everyone safe and keeping fit and healthy has never been more important. We’re really pleased with the very positive feedback we’ve been getting and urge people to use their local leisure centres as much as possible.

"We have opened all our leisure facilities, including swimming pools, this week but long periods of closure have obviously had a severe impact on our finances. This really is a case of use what’s available or risk not having it there in the future."

Centres are operating at reduced capacity and all activities must be booked in advance through the Better UK app.

Cornwall Councillor Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, Cabinet member with oversight of the leisure agreement between the Council and GLL, said: “We live in a beautiful county that is predominantly surrounded by water. We desperately need these centres to ensure that children can learn how to swim and that families have access to facilities to help them stay healthy and active. We must protect these essential community facilities.”

Cornwall Council has already provided a financial relief package, with the vast majority of the funding, announced in September, in the form of loans to leisure providers totalling up to £4.4 million.

It also included additional grants, loan holidays and contract payments totalling approximately £1.7 million, which were funded from council reserves.

Adam Paynter, deputy leader of Cornwall Council, said: “The council has provided significant funding to support leisure centres this year. Without extra support from the government there is a risk that some centres may have to close if they continue operating at a loss. We are urging local communities to support their local centres to help prevent this from happening.”

GLL is offering half price membership throughout December, with no joining fee. For details visit www.better.org.uk/memberships/gym-membership-deals-and-offers