Devon leisure centre handed £1m boost

The money will be used to install new air-to-water heat pumps, the council has said

A Devon leisure centre has received more than £1m in funding, Torridge District Council has said.

The funding for Holsworthy Leisure Centre has come from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.

A council spokesperson said the money would be used to install new air-to-water heat pumps, which would replace the existing oil boiler.

Councillor Lyndon Piper said: "The swimming pool is a key community resource for both young and old, and these new upgrades will enable us to provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective place for future generations to enjoy."

Chris Keeble, from Active Torridge, which runs the leisure centre, added: "Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as we battle the challenge of increased energy and wider costs.

"This funding will enable us to improve our energy efficiency, be more environmentally and financially sustainable."

A council spokesperson said the new round of funding was in addition to £61,000 received from the government and Sport England’s capital investment programme in March.

They said that was being used to install new solar panels which would help heat its 25m (82ft) indoor, heated swimming pool.

Installation dates have yet to be confirmed.