ALL Wirral leisure and sports centres will be closed indefinitely after today as efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak intensify.

As a consequence, all classes and activities at West Kirby Concourse, the Oval Leisure Centre, Europa Pools, Leasowe Leisure Centre, Guinea Gap Leisure Centre, Woodchurch Leisure Centre and the Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre - including swimming and tennis lessons - are suspended until further notice.

This also extends to the council's community-based Sports Development sessions and disability programme.

All direct debit payments for memberships will automatically be suspended from Saturday until Leisure Centres re-open.

Annual subscriptions will be extended in line with the closure period.

All memberships and subscriptions will be suspended during this time and reinstated when centres re-open.

There is no need to contact Wirral Leisure to arrange this. West Kirby Marine Lake and Municipal Golf Courses will remain open for the time being for casual customers and members to use.

Cllr Julie McManus, cabinet member for community services, said: "We are well aware of the incredible value our Leisure and Sports Centres and wider activities hold for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

"However, due to recent government guidance, these temporary arrangements are crucial to help in the next phase of the government's plan to tackle the outbreak.

"It is still very important to remain as active as possible during this time and in partnership with Les Mills On Demand we are able to offer our customers a live link to their on demand fitness videos, which can be followed from home free of charge.

"These can be accessed at https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts

"In addition, leisure staff will do their absolute best to provide additional helpful hints, tips and guidance for residents via our website and social media channels during the closure period and we recommend that residents remain active at a social distance utilising the outdoors where possible.

"We thank all our customers and members for their patience and understanding at this time.

"If you have any further queries, staff will try their very best to respond however you may encounter a delay.

"You can contact make via email - bookingsandinfomation@wirral.gov.uk – or via the telephone booking line, 0151 606 2010."