GYMS and leisure centres in St Helens and the wider city region can reopen again, it has been reported.

Metro mayor Steve Rotheram has revealed the region's gyms can reopen after a government climbdown.

Gyms in the Liverpool City Region, which is made up of the boroughs of Merseyside and Halton, were closed when the area was placed under Tier Three coronavirus restrictions last week.

Gym bosses expressed confusion and frustration over the government decision.

There was also much frustration and anger from gym owners when other regions, including Lancashire and Greater Manchester, which were placed in Tuer Three did not see their gyms having to close.

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Regional leaders have been campaigning for the restrictions to be standardised, meaning that gyms would be able to reopen.

They have reportedly now been told that the Tier Three restrictions will be standardised, which will mean that gyms and leisure centres can reopen.

St Helens Council leader Cllr David Baines has welcomed the move.

He said in a tweet: "Gyms and leisure centres in St Helens borough will be allowed to OPEN thanks to the fight put up by local councils, MPs, gym owners and users.

"The change in the regulations will go to parliament today for approval. More details to follow ASAP."

The Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor confirmed that gyms could be allowed to reopen during an interview on BBC Radio Merseyside this morning.

Mayor Rotheram also confirmed that soft play areas will close to bring the Tier 3 restrictions in line with Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

In a statement on behalf of the region's council leaders, Steve Rotheram said: “On behalf of the leaders and MPs across our city region, I entered into further talks with 10 Downing Street last night to highlight the inconsistencies of the measures that we had been placed under – following the Government’s decision to impose Tier 3 restrictions in our area.

“Collectively we have consistently requested the scientific evidence that supported the imposition of the suite of measures under Tier 3 – and we have pointed out the inconsistencies of approach following the announcement that Lancashire would not have exactly the same package of restrictions as our City Region.

“Talks continued till late last night – and the Government have agreed with the case that I put forward  - that they would now bring us in line with other Tier 3 area – so that (like Lancashire and Greater Manchester) – soft play areas would be closed – but that gyms could reopen.

“I argued that gyms in the Liverpool City Region were no less safe than those in Lancashire - that had been allowed to remain open.

“I also convinced them that – as we now had local Test and Tracing (and had been chosen as a pilot area to trial new Test Technologies) – we could manage the safety of gym users as well as anywhere in the country. 

“The Government will now include the provision to rescind their original decision - when they lay the legislation before Parliament tomorrow - on the orders for Greater Manchester.”