Fears have been raised that membership numbers may drop unless Moray Council’s leisure centres are reopened soon.
The authority’s swimming pools and gyms remain closed after shutting due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday, Moray Council blamed a mix of staffing issues, training and new cleaning procedures for the delay in reopening.
However, the council-owned Moray Leisure Centre in Elgin, which is run by an independent company, Moray Sports Centre and most pools and gyms run by High Life Highland across the north have now reopened their doors.
Gyms run by Sport Aberdeen and Live Life Aberdeenshire have also reopened since the coronavirus closure.
A reopening date for the sports centres in Forres, Buckie, Keith, Lossiemouth and Aberlour is expected to be confirmed next week.
Tim Eagle, leader of the council’s Conservative group, is concerned a further delay may lead to a drop-off in members.
He said: “I am disappointed that our leisure centres are not open yet.
“I understand staff have been preparing very hard for reopening but still we have no word of a date.
“Sport and leisure is so important and these centres bring in significant income to the council. We simply must get them open.
“I will be very disappointed if all leisure facilities are not open in full by Monday, September 14.
“I understand there are complexities but other councils have managed.
“It is time for Moray to join them and get them open. If not, I fear Fit Life memberships will suffer.”
Warnings have been issued by financial officers at Moray Council’s that a loss of income is contributing to growing budget concerns at the authority.
Sports membership payments have been suspended while the gyms and pools have been closed.
Outdoor facilities including grass pitches, pavilions and astroturf pitches did open again for bookings on August 24.
A huge response to a public campaign run by the council last year to boost member numbers was all that kept pools in Keith and Lossiemouth open as part of budget cuts.
Yesterday Moray Council explained staff have been undertaking training during the closure while a new booking system is also being developed.
Sport and leisure manager Ken Brown said: “We’re working hard to prepare for re-opening and can’t wait to welcome our customers back.
“There’s still more planning to do, and staff training, but next week we hope to confirm a re-opening date for indoor leisure facilities.
“We’ll contact all those with Fit Life memberships paid directly to the council by direct debit in advance of restarting payments, or those with annual memberships, to confirm arrangements.
“Meanwhile, colleagues have been undertaking important water safety training, first aid training, competency tests and learning new safe working procedures.”
