Leisure centres given grants for energy efficiency

The government says the funding is intended to help the longer term energy and financial resilience of the sector

Two leisure centres have been granted more than £330,000 to make energy saving improvements.

Appleby and Penrith Leisure Centres in Cumbria have been given money from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.

Solar panels will be fitted, insulation will be upgraded and pool hall windows will be triple glazed.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it would help decrease energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and "improve provision for the long term".

The Liberal Democrats- run council, said £164,987 would be invested at Appleby Leisure Centre and a further £165,731 at Penrith Leisure Centre from Phase 2 of the government fund.

The announcement follows the successful bid to Phase 1 of the Sport England Fund, which saw £235,000 awarded to Barrow Park Leisure Centre to help with rising energy, maintenance and chemical costs, the council said.

Appleby Leisure Centre has a 25m (82ft) four lane main pool and additional learner pool

Appleby Leisure Centre will also see upgrades made to its roofing insulation and an automatic door closer installed, the council said.

Westmorland and Furness Council assistant director for community infrastructure, David Haughian, said the funding was "not just about reducing costs".

He said: “Leisure centres are key to helping our communities keep healthy, active and well.

"With the rise in energy costs affecting us all, by making these improvements, we’ll be able to mitigate some of these costs, reduce our carbon emissions, and ensure we provide an improved provision for the long term."