West Midlands leisure centres get share of £20m funding

The funding aims to support facilities with rising energy and maintenance costs

More than 20 leisure centres in the West Midlands have been given a share of £20m government funding to help with increased operational costs.

The scheme targeted centres in England with the highest risk of closure or significant reduction in services.

It aims to support facilities with rising energy, maintenance and pool chemical costs.

Facilities in Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwick are some of the centres to get a cash grant.

Nantwich Leisure Centre in Cheshire and Atherstone Leisure Complex in Warwickshire were each awarded more than £190,000.

The Wave in Coventry received more than £108,000 to keep its indoor waterpark running.

'Important moment in time'

Sports minister Stuart Andrew said many public swimming pools were experiencing greater pressure and the relief fund would help them make "ends meet".

A further £40m will be offered in the coming months to make centres more energy efficient, including funding new heating systems, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, from Sport England, said the Swimming Pool Support Fund was an important moment in time, as many pools faced increased costs and difficulties retaining staff.