BRIDPORT Leisure Centre's tough year continues as a fundraiser is set up to help the facility through the second lockdown.

The centre has closed its doors once more after the country went into lockdown.

The facility has been struggling in the wake of the first lockdown period, with management admitting in September that they were having to consider redundancies.

Will Thrower, centre manager at Bridport Leisure Centre, said: “The leisure centre team has worked tirelessly since reopening our doors on July 25 and we have been overwhelmed by the positivity and support of our members throughout these extremely challenging and uncertain times.

"Bridport Leisure Centre is a charitable trust, which exists to provide affordable and accessible facilities to Bridport and West Dorset.

"Like many other businesses, we have been hugely affected by Covid-19 to the sum of £200,000 to date.

"The people of Bridport have been amazing and we received so much support throughout the first lockdown, which we are extremely grateful for."

When the organisation announced its lockdown plans over social media - members of the centre and the Bridport community rallied to show their support.

Gym member, Maria Bowen-Ashwin, was disappointed as she was just beginning to getting her fitness back on track.

She said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure using the pool, which has been running beautifully and also the spinning classes. I know you’ll be back as soon as you can and I’ll be there with you”.

Sue Neaves, who also returned to classes at the centre in August, said: “I’ve been so impressed with the way you have handled the situation so far, all really well organised.”

All the staff are of course also very disappointed with the news.

Fitness instructor, Ally Franklin, said: “We had started to see all the regulars back using the centre. The class atmosphere was great, and there were so many happy faces. I can’t bear to think how this will affect people, it’s not so easy to exercise outside now it’s colder."

Bridport Leisure Centre will continue to offer online workouts and fitness classes throughout lockdown. All members of the centre have now been contacted offering them options regarding their memberships.

If you would like to support your community leisure centre during this time, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/BridportLeisureCentreCovid-19Support.