THE area’s leading provider of sports and leisure services has welcomed active locals back to its facilities for the first time in 180 days following the Coronavirus lockdown and Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre re-opens this coming Monday.

Charitable Trust Fife Sports and Leisure Trust opened Carnegie Leisure Centre and Pitreavie Athletics Centre last week with eager customers arriving early to enjoy facilities.

The trust received over 2,700 bookings in the first seven day of it launching its online booking system.

The trust’s phased re-opening programme to ensure the safety of customers and staff – has seen Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, Carnegie Leisure Centre and Pitreavie Athletics Centre, in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre opening doors first. This will be followed by East Sands Leisure Centre, Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre on Monday, September 28.

The next phase will see Duloch Leisure Centre, Cupar Leisure Centre, Bowhill Swimming Pool and Waterstone Crook Leisure Centre welcoming customers on Monday, October 12.

Emma Walker, chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “It’s hugely rewarding to be able to welcome customers back to trust facilities – it’s been a long wait and we’d like to thank customers for their patience and support throughout the lockdown.

“We have had a fantastic response to our re-opening and have been very encouraged by the numbers of people taking the opportunity to book online so that they can access centres and programmes.