ROMSEY Rapids Sports Complex will be reopening next month, it has been confirmed.

Romsey Rapids, Knightwood Leisure Centre, Andover Leisure Centre and Charlton Lakeside will all reopen on Wednesday August 12.

Test Valley Borough Councillor Nick Adams-King, who announced the news on Facebook, wrote: "We were disappointed on behalf of residents that they weren’t able to reopen on 25 July but they have been working closely with Public Health England, following government guidelines and consulting with their trade body ukactive, to make sure that they are able to welcome customers back safely and as quickly as possible.

"They will have a busy couple of weeks ahead getting the centres ready for everyone to return, including putting in place enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures, but this is really great news. I know lots of you are keen to get back to the gym, particularly as it is more important now than ever before that we all keep fit and well."

Cllr Adams-King also made clear the company's decision to remain closed for longer had nothing to do with the council.

He added: "To be clear, there was absolutely no reason from TVBC’s point of view why the complex could not reopen.

"The Council have not blocked the re-opening of any of the leisure centres in any way."

Places Leisure have been contacted for comment.