'Long-awaited' leisure centre approved by planners

The centre is one of four projects making up the Millom Town Deal

A "long-awaited" leisure centre featuring a swimming pool, sports hall and gym has been approved by councillors.

The facility in Millom, Cumbria, will improve local health and boost footfall in the town, according to Cumberland Council.

The centre is one of four projects that make up the Millom Town Deal, which secured £20.6m from the government's Town's Fund alongside a further £8.7m in match funding.

David Savage, chairman of the Millom Town Deal Board, described the green light as a "significant step forward" for the area.

He said "construction of the long-awaited leisure complex can begin" with plans "turned into reality".

The new facility will also include a space for some health services.

Work is already under way to refurbish an all-weather sports pitch at the site.

The council said the other Town Deal projects were progressing.

It is aiming to bring derelict and underused buildings in the town centre back into use, while work on the sea wall and coastal lagoon off the coast of Millom will see more than four miles (7km) of walking and cycling routes enhanced.

Millom's transport network is also set to see changes, with cycling and walking routes linking the town with Haverigg.