A survey by the area’s leading provider of sports and leisure services has shown that people across Fife are eager to get active since it closed its facilities in line with the government’s Coronavirus lockdown.

The survey shows that local people value highly Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, with 90 per cent of respondents saying that visiting its facilities is vital in supporting physical wellbeing, 64 per cent that it was vital for their mental wellbeing and 43% that it was important socially.

In addition, 68 per cent of survey participants said they would be keen to use the charitable trust’s facilities when doors open with social distancing measures in place, with 64 per cent indicating that it was very important for them and their families to get back to using trust facilities and programmes.

When asked which facilities and programmes where most important following easing of restrictions in line with the Scottish Government route map, swimming, gym and group fitness sessions were the top responses.

Scott Urquhart, sports and physical activity manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The purpose of the survey was to help us in our delivery plans for trust sites reopening – it was important that we listened to our customers and meet their expectations given the social distancing and health and safety guidelines we will implement.

“We had a great response, with over 1,200 participants from across Fife, and, to discover that the trust’s services and programmes are vital to local communities in terms of physical and mental wellbeing is very rewarding – our commitment, as a charitable trust, is to deliver the health benefits of physical activity.

“However, we are also mindful of those who are less confident about returning to facilities such as leisure centres, and, of those who need to shield, and we will continue to deliver virtual fitness sessions online for all ages and abilities which have received great feedback during the lockdown.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the survey and for their comments and suggestions which are so valuable. I’d encourage customers to visit the trust website and social media pages to keep informed of our timetable for reinstating facilities.”