Joy as outdoor West Midlands sports venues reopen in lockdown relaxation
People have flocked to outdoor sports venues across the West Midlands as they were able to reopen, with lockdown restrictions easing today.
Government rules have allowed outdoor venues to reopen, sports events to resume and groups of up to six to meet starting from today.
But health chiefs across the region have warned people to be cautious and vigilant – and follow the rules – to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The move, however, has been met with joy from venues across the region who have welcomed the opportunity to allow people to play sport again.
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Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club was among the venues to be greeted by a string of returning members who were eager to play tennis.
Sports manager Marc Hughes said: "We're full, which is fantastic, and it's been brilliant – lots of people have been booking tennis courts online.
"We've had a fitness class and throughout the day the courts were really busy with lots of people coming down and they're enjoying having a chat, enjoying some tennis and it's been really good.
"This is our third time doing this, coming back, and everyone we've met has said what a Covid-safe environment we've created. We've got lots of space and everyone is very considerate of others – and hopefully people can start to get back to normal now.
"We're a big part of people's lives and we've got a big coaching programme lined up to get people back into tennis. The signs are looking good. The weather has helped us this week and all I can see [on the court] are lots of smiles."
Mr Hughes said he was prepared for a "long and busy" first day as he admitted it had been tough for coaches – but the focus was now on getting members to return to the club, based on Newbridge Crescent, and helping people both physically and mentally.
He added: "A big part of the job is seeing people. We've done lots of work online, lots of communication with people, but it's been really hard for the tennis coaches because you really need a court – so we've worked really hard over that and then we've done facility improvements, such as putting spinning bikes in the gym for when people can go indoors.
"Our tag-line is Keep Healthy, Play Sport and Make Friends – it's not just about being the best in the club, it's about the social side too. There's been a lot of mental health issues being discussed and doing sport helps keep people mentally well – we're hoping to get people active again."
The easing of restrictions – including the "stay-at-home" order – was introduced today as political figures, as well as health chiefs, urged people to remain as vigilant as possible.
And while greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
Mark Allen, director of Wolverhampton Adventure Golf based in Perton, said: "We've been very busy and everyone has been very excited to come here – and it's nice to see families out and about, getting a bit of life back into the site really.
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"We've been doing a marketing campaign encouraging people to book and pre-book and we're almost fully booked ready for the weekend – because people are at school we've still got a few slots still available, but people are taking this as an opportunity to come outside again.
"It's good to get some life back into the facility, hearing the children having fun and laughing – the dinosaurs are back roaring into action as well and people are really enjoying themselves again. And the staff are glad to be back at work here too – it's been a really positive beginning and hopefully we'll have a great season.
"People are really enjoying themselves – it's great to be back because it's a fun activity, you've got huge 20 foot dinosaurs, you've got sound and rapids too, and it's a really nice thing to do."
Mr Allen said it was important to allow people to enjoy themselves – to help with their mental health – and said all the Covid-19 safety measures had been put in place to make the site safe.
Oxley Park Golf Club, based off Stafford Road in Wolverhampton, was another venue which reopened – allowing golfers to take to the green in sunlight as lockdown restrictions eased.
The next step in the road map to easing England's lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.
But Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Sandwell Council, said: "This is a very very dangerous variant of the virus. Let's not be fooled by nice weather and the talk of a roadmap out of lockdown. We have to be so so careful.
"People are catching it in shopping centres, parks where there are lots of people. We can beat this but when we drop our guard we take a massive risk.
"We have to remind people that the Government is just saying we won't fine you if you do this but the fact is the virus isn't going to be any less dangerous."
Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health in Worcestershire, added: "I know how much we have all missed seeing our loved ones during the last year, and how much we are all missing the day-to-day normal life we would usually be leading.
"I know this is a huge milestone for us all but it is really important we do all we can do to stay safe whilst we are seeing and catching up with others. These rule changes are a step in the right direction, brighter times are ahead. Please remember your actions now will shape our future. Please continue to do all you can to stay safe, follow the guidelines as we look forward."
