LIBRARIES and leisure facilities run by LiveArgyll in Helensburgh and Lomond, and across Argyll and Bute, have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The trust made an announcement on Wednesday, March 18 that all its facilities, across the whole of Argyll and Bute, would close down from 5pm that day.

However, the trust also says it plans to extend its online resources as soon as possible to enable people to use services, such as eBook borrowing, from home.

READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE: All Thursday's latest news from Helensburgh and beyond as it happens

LiveArgyll operates Helensburgh's swimming pool and leisure centre, the Victoria Halls and the libraries in Helensburgh, Cardross and Rosneath, as well as the John Logie Baird Innovation Hub at Helensburgh Library.

The organisation, which is responsible for all leisure and library services in Argyll and Bute formerly run by Argyll and Bute Council, also oversees the hire of the all-weather sports pitches at Hermitage Academy.

The trust said in a statement issued at lunchtime on Wednesday: "In accordance with government advice LiveArgyll has taken the difficult decision to close all facilities, suspend all programmes and cancel all events across LiveArgyll from 5pm tonight until further notice.

READ MORE: Helensburgh and Lomond schools set to close by Friday after First Minister's announcement

"All LiveArgyll leisure and swimming lesson membership direct debits will be frozen with immediate effect.

"Members that have made an annual upfront payment will receive a corresponding extension over and above their initial 12 months.

"Members do not need to do anything, as this process will happen automatically. All members will receive a letter by post to inform them of the freeze dates and the process.

"Library customers will have their book loans extended automatically.

READ MORE: Less beer, fewer staff, reduced capacity: the story of one Helensburgh pub's battle to survive pandemic

"LiveArgyll already offers a range of online resources for people to use, and we are intending to extend these services as soon as possible.

"Customers will receive refunds for any cancelled events and programmes.

"Thank you for your continued support. Please continue to follow up on social media and visit our website for further information and updates."

The move comes as no surprise following similar measures being implemented across the country, including all Glasgow Life-run premises.

READ MORE: Click here for all the latest news headlines from around Helensburgh and Lomond