West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for plans to help pools, gyms and spas and beauty businesses to re-open as pubs and shops resume trading after the early summer lockdown.

And while people are able to go for haircuts in a ‘Covid-secure’ environment, local people are still not able visit gyms, swim in pools or have beauty treatments.

Outdoor sports like angling, golf, village cricket and tennis have been allowed and many sports have returned to TV screens after the coronavirus lockdown, but swimming is still blocked.

Harriett has written to the Government asking it to consider developing a swift action plan to allow more businesses like spas and beauty salons to open and to allow people to exercise in swimming pools.

Harriett commented: “The return of hairdressers is a much-needed bonus as the Government develops a strategy for helping the economy to unlock and allow us to do many more things in this ‘new-normal’ way of life.

“However, there are some clear anomalies and I’ve asked for Government guidance on what plans there may be to allow swimming, gyms, spa and beauty treatments to resume. If hair can be cut in a ‘covid-safe’ way, I am interested in hearing what the latest thinking is on allowing similar services to return – particularly beauticians who can wear masks to carry out their work, swimming pools where chlorine is used and other healthy activities that bring in billions into the economy.

“Being healthy and a normal weight is a good way to beat the virus too, and as a keen swimmer, I am also eager to hear when pools will be able to be opened again allowing us to exercise in a safe and responsible way.”