CEREDIGION has moved forward its date for the re-opening leisure centres after heavy criticism of its plans to keep facilities shut until July.

But Council-run leisure centres and swimming pools across the county, will still remain shut until at least June 7.

Facilities in every other part of Wales have already re-opened in line with Welsh Government guidance on containing coronavirus.

Gyms, fitness facilities centres, spas and swimming pools have reopened in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire from 3 May.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, of Plaid Cymru, has expressed disappointment in the Plaid-led council's decision to delay the re-opening of leisure facilities.

And parents have voiced their concern that children are being denied survival skills, as council-run swimming pools remain closed across the county.

The updated timetable will see 'well-being walks' permitted from May 17, and outdoor exercise classes and community organisations' use of outdoor facilities – including astro turf pitches at Lampeter, Ysgol Bro Teifi and Synod Inn – restart from 28 May onwards.

Indoor Council-run leisure facilities at Aberaeron leisure centre, Lampeter leisure centre, Lampeter swimming pool, and Penglais School sports hall, including community organisation use will commence on June 7 onwards.

Cardigan leisure centre, however, will remain closed as it is currently being used by Hywel Dda University Health Board as a mass vaccination centre.

"As a result of the current infection rates in the county and the latest Public Health Wales advice, a decision has been made to bring forward the date of the re-opening of indoor sport and physical activity provision in Ceredigion County Council operated facilities," said a Council spokesperson.

"The activities remain dependent on there being no significant increase in the number of cases in the county.

"The significant decommissioning and re-instatement works have commenced at Plascrug leisurecentre following its use as a field hospital, and no date has been set for its re-opening at present.

"Further information will be available on the Ceredigion Actif website, and the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

"We would like to thank all users of these facilities for their understanding during this challenging period.

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back to our activity sessions and facilities."

Meanwhile there have been reports of parents travelling miles into neighbouring counties to allow their children to use leisure facilities.

"It's so frustrating, our children are missing out on survival skills," said one parent, who revealed that she had been travelling to use facilities in neighbouring Pembrokeshire.

"The council don't realise the impact it has on people, our children are missing out on vital swimming lessons, exercise and meeting up with friends.

"I think it affects their behaviour too, visiting a swimming pool can be essential to relieving stress and improving health, and and we are being denied that opportunity."

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake said he would be putting pressure on council officials over the reopening of leisure facilities.

"I understand the desire of many to see the county’s leisure and sporting facilities reopen, especially as the weather improves," he said.

"As Ceredigion continues to enjoy low rates of infection, and with welcome progress on the vaccination programme, it is natural that attention should now turn to reopening facilities safely."