Devon and Cornwall swimming pools to get government funding

Ashburton swimming pool is to receive £20,000

Twenty swimming pools across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are to receive a share of a £60m cash grant.

The funding, split between 325 pools in England, has come from the government and Sport England.

It aims to secure the long-term future of the pools by improving energy efficiency and cutting running costs.

Pools to benefit include Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton (£375,000), Dawlish Leisure Centre (£168,000) and St Ives Leisure Centre (£156,000).

Also on the list is Ashburton swimming pool.

The facility has been awarded £20,000, just weeks after it was saved from closure by community funding.

Measures being supported by the Swimming Pool Support Fund include funding for new heating systems, solar panels and better insulation.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: "Millions of people swim every year in England, but increased energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.

"This further £60m of support from the government and Sport England will ensure hundreds of swimming pools can lower their operating costs in the long run, and continue to provide an important service for communities across the country."