Pool's solar panels approved 'to cut energy bills'

A £410,000 grant from Sport England was previously secured to ease financial pressures at the centre

Two solar panel schemes to help cut energy costs at council buildings have been approved by councillors.

The plans will see 430 panels installed on Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre, and 288 on the Leechmere Independent Living Centre in Sunderland.

The city council said the move would help lower its carbon footprint and cut energy bills.

The leisure centre plans come after a £410,000 grant from Sport England to ease financial pressures.

Sunderland City Council previously said funding was earmarked for other energy-saving initiatives, including a scheme to warm the water for the centre’s swimming pool, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Labour's Iain Scott, who represents the Hetton ward, welcomed the proposals for the facility.

More than 288 panels will be installed on Leechmere Independent Living Centre

He called it a "great choice of location" and joked "the sun always shines in the glorious ward of Hetton".

"Jokes aside, it's great to see that we're actually investing in solar PV and taking further actions to strive towards the low carbon action plan."

Conservative councillor Andrew Wood asked the council for more clarity on the "energy savings" the two schemes would deliver.

Council planning officers said they would provide the information after the meeting on Monday.