WHILE pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have all been given the go-ahead to reopen, a number of business sectors have been left in limbo.

Among those to voice concerns is West Wight Sports and Community Centre manager, Clare Griffin, who is baffled by the government's decision to open pubs ahead of swimming pools and gyms.

Clare, who last year was named Sunday Times grassroots sportswoman of the year, fears the decision has been made from a financial standpoint rather than a public health one, and is concerned by why businesses supporting physical activity have been given such low priority.

Clare said: "From the perspective of public health and well-being, the decision to open pubs before swimming pools and gyms calls into question the government's motives."

"It was hugely disappointing to hear the news gyms and swimming pools cannot yet open.

"I have to say, I am struggling with the rationale behind it, but we must accept it and continue planning our re-opening for a later date.

"We have robust plans in place to be able to open safely and as soon as we are given the nod we will be ready.

"We have the ability to put one-way systems in place, control numbers, and to keep touch points sanitised.

"Gyms and swimming pools are, in fact, very hygienic places at the best of times, and we always have good, thorough cleaning regimes in place. We will step this up to deal with the added risk of Covid transmission.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a number of business sectors would be able to resume trade from July 4.

Nightclubs, spas, indoor soft play areas, bowling alleys, water parks, indoor gyms, nail bars, swimming pools and water parks will remain closed for the foreseeable future.